My true name is Ben Barbante, "Juan Dürer" is the trail name I acquired while hiking the Appalachian Trail. I'm new to Couchsurfing but have been an avid world traveler for the past ten years. I had lived in London U.K. for five years but left in December 2015 to travel long term. In January 2016 I trekked to Machu Picchu and spent 3 weeks at a jungle retreat near Iquitos, Peru. In February, I took a road trip with my 26 year old son and hiked the Grand Canyon and Havasupai. From March through August, I through hiked the 3,522Km Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in the United States.
I continued exploring the world on foot, so I hiked the 1,000Km Bibbulmun Track from Perth to Albany in Western Australia in October. I'm also a scuba diver and I dove the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.
I spent one month in the Philippines in December 2016 and just chilled.
I spent the first few months of 2017 traveling in Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Japan.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Meeting fantastic people during my travels has always been the best part of my experiences.

Music, Movies, and Books

The movie and the soundtrack of "Into the Wild" with songs by Eddie Vedder made quite an impact on me in 2007. I've also read the book of the same title written by Jon Krakauer.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

After years of working an office job, I've saved up enough money to allow me to travel long term and follow my passions.

Teach, Learn, Share

I've been playing the ukulele for 5 years and very passionate about always improving and learning new songs. I had taught several hikers how to play the ukulele while hiking on the Appalachian Trail. I'd love to jam with other musicians.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Music and good conversation.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, United States