PLEASE READ FOR YOUR BENEFIT AND FOR YOUR HOST if you plan on using this site. Many want it for"free stuff" or are phony in their intentions. I screened 40+ people and met several sets of guests, guys, gals, mixed couples and what I found (no, not all, but most) is that most people are in this for the wrong reasons. If you plan on staying with someone, and they agree, its on you to Skype and message them to build trust and see if there is anything in common. If not you are making it weird. There are lots of cheap hostels here to stay in, so this isn't about "free stuff" and demanding a key to someone's house when you are a total stranger and put in ZERO effort to get to know that person, or worse yet, lie about wanting to talk culture and then use that house like a hotel. This is NOT a dating site, and this is NOT airbnb. If you don't want to connect, get off this site and look at hostels like I did when in school pre-Skype. Your host on CS is hooking you up based on KINDNESS; have the decency to and common sense to get to know them before embarking on your "free" adventure. I understand young people are still maturing but if you message someone on a site, make zero effort to build a rapport, and zero effort upon arrival and rest, then you are likely FULL OF IT. I'm left with a negative impression based on people sending all these fake messages. If your English is ok , but write brilliantly, so what, just make the effort to converse. I've hosted 5 people as an experiment, and feel that 1) I was taken for granted 2) people have no interest in cultural connection 3) I'm a house DJ and connect over music (that guest was sincere). FIND PEOPLE YOU CONNECT WITH and don't send fake messages, ask for more than is offered stay wise, or expect that selfish behavior is what this is about. This website should make a skype rule mandatory, so that hosts don't feel "used and abused" for random acts of kindness and guests aren't cancelled on because the previous sets were nice, yet phonies in their sincerity and just want free stuff. Save capital, go to a hostel, and only use this site if you truly want to learn about culture. If you are too lazy or selfish to chat about life in your country when asked, then shoo away from this site. I know there is jetlag, but there is something called doing things for the right reasons. If you want somewhere "free" to stay and that's it, care not about building trust before your visit, then ___ off. Its a sacrifice for hosts to be met with ungratefulness, and it doesn't make me feel good to help others who don't give a shit. I'm off to volunteer with elderly or similar. It feels good to help people when they appreciate it but definitely does not feel good to be kind to others, make them feel welcome, have your house cleaned before arrival, set up a clean bed and sacrifice your privacy for selfish people who assume its a hotel. If you demand/expect a key to someone's apt in a big city, and you are a complete stranger who has made no effort to talk to someone, then you are a hypocritical jerk as you would not allow such a thing. SKYPE YOUR HOST BEFORE SHOWING UP. The host has accepted you, now do your part and build a rapport. Don't demand a key, it is their house and you must work that out before arriving. Be out and about during business hours and meet your host back. Simple rules on how not to be decent person when someone is kind enough to let you stay at their nice place and show you around the city. This is not "strangers who want free stuff, a hotel and 4 star treatment" surfing. Its an SF based website for people to connect and meet socially out of KINDNESS. If you don't care to make an effort to get to know the host and see if its a good fit for both parties, seriously get off this site, NOW. When someone offers you two nights, don't be pushy upon arrival and ask for four. Many people have had wonderful experiences out there and I have heard about them, but am highly disappointed in this experiment. Hostels are cheap. 90+ percent of people are here for the wrong reasons trying to use others, or maybe I had bad luck though screened carefully.

I'm a lawyer here in Miami Beach, Florida, interested in traveling and have visited Europe many times (and wish to go again). Originally I'm from Boston but have lived here in South Florida since 2001, and now live in South Beach one block from the ocean. I would like to do some traveling to Asia and South America in the near future.I can be found on FB @ jdomar.

Would need a minimum of two or three weeks notice for guests, and can't say that I have much free time to be accepting guests from here forward so any apologies in advance. 2 nights, 2 guests is max. Kindness, honesty, & respect are important. Lots of messages on here so any apologies for delays in response.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet and have fun with interesting people from other countries far outside the U.S., learn about their experiences and share mine. I have time off this summer and am able to host, plus I recently moved to South Beach which is where most visitors come and can use advice or a local friend. I do think the idea of reciprocity is important, and like it when there is a mutual exchange of ideas where both sides can possibly host, cook meals for each other/go out for dinner, DJ or share other hobbies.

Interests

Locally enjoy checking out rotating special events like Basel, Food & Wine, Grove Arts, and other festivals as well as electronic and live music events. I've enjoyed DJing since 1999, traveling, cooking, cookouts and cycling.

• arts
• culture
• cooking
• coffee
• running
• clubbing
• boating
• reading
• traveling
• music
• cycling
• hiking
• law
• parks
• museums
• galleries
• dive bars

Music, Movies, and Books

Lots of music, enjoy collecting vinyls and watching films. Like to read about mindfulness practices and ancient civilizations.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Studying abroad in London in the summer of 1999.

Teach, Learn, Share

From South Point Park, farmer markets to old stand by dive bars like Mac's Club Deuce, Lost Weekend, or best of underground house burner vibes like Do Not Sit on the Furniture, I'm knowledgeable about cool stuff to do in the area and good deals.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm usually really good about finding quality music events in most major cities, always up for a good conversation and like to share what I've learned.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United Kingdom, United States