Couchsurfing for me is about authentic cultural experience. I like meeting locals, learning from them, and connecting with others. I’ve had amazing experiences with all different types of people through this app and now that I have my own place I’ve begun hosting as well.

“Let everything happen to you. Beauty and terror. Just keep going.” - Rainer Maria Rilke

I’m a naturally curious guy and enjoy learning from others’ experiences. A few other things about me: love active stuff - I live in the Rockies of Canada so tend to gravitate to mountains. Love jamming with a guitar. Fairly relaxed individual. LGBT friendly and 420 friendly.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have surfed about 20+ times. Now that I have my own place, I’m starting to get into hosting as well.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I want to reduce the stigma that meeting new people and even staying with them is inherently 'dangerous'. There's not enough trust in the world and I'm trying to do what I can to show others that people are generally good. For me couchsurfing is about new friends, new experiences, and new perspectives. I love the cultural exchange and natural friendship that develops. I'll cherish some of the memories I've made from this site forever.

Interests

Traveling. Fitness - lifting, running, cycling. Reading, journaling. Huge movie buff. Currently going through a philosophy degree too.

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC

Depends on the vibe, but I’m a big indie rock and folk guy.

MOVIES

Horror! I also enjoy indie, and dramas.

BOOKS

I'll let my Goodreads account speak for itself (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/38504169-jonah-ardiel).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

+ Cycled the five lakes of Kawaguchiko and Aokigohara forest, May ‘24

+ Four days exploring the Portuguese island of Madeira hiking and cycling, Dec ‘23

+ Three day excursion to the summit of Mt. Toubkal in the Atlas Mountain range in Morocco, Dec ‘23

+ Mt. Kilimanjaro expedition, Sep ‘22

+ Trekked and camped the West Coast Trail BC, Canada, June ‘22

+ Slept in a hut on top of Becca Di Filadonna, a mountain in the Dolomites. Northern Italy, Apr ‘22

+ Cycled from Calgary to Jasper (AB, Canada) over 10 days. Sep ‘20

+ Cliff dove in cenotes. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, Mar ‘18

+ Everest Base Camp expedition, Aug ‘16

+ Swam with reef sharks. Dominican Republic, Jan ‘14

+ Stayed with some of the coolest international hosts through this incredible site. (2012-Present)

Teach, Learn, Share

Teaching: I could lead a home-based workout. I’m into fitness and feel capable of sharing some insights.

Learning: when traveling, just language and cultural insights. I love learning from others - anything they’re willing to share/teach.

Sharing: As a surfer, stories and photos and small trinkets from Canada. As a host, my home, some recipes, and if I have time/we’re able, a trip out to the mountains. Always love swapping travel stories, as well as life stories. Usually better over a drink!

Cooking - I can cook pasta pretty well. If you let me try, you can judge for yourself.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Happy to share anything I can, conversationally and materially. Always up for a local meal or drink in the evening.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland, Tanzania, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada