Electoral Advisor. Founder of Digital Responsability. Keynote Speaker.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I wrote this for my local media (a lot of years ago). For my surprise, Couchsurfing shared this globally at that time. (The text was originally in Spanish)
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Years ago, when my sister told me about her experiences using CouchSurfing, I was amazed and skeptical about her modus operandi: registered members can find people while traveling and sleep in their 'couches' (without paying), as well as hosting travelers from all over the world.

I thought that users in Mexico, like those in many countries, would not have the maturity to participate in this utopian online hospitality service, nor contribute to their mission: Create inspiring experiences.

How much could it inspire me to be assaulted by a traveler to whom I offered a bed?

However, I used to lived with my sister and agreed to host a couple from Argentina. They cooked us local dishes, introduce us to 'yerba mate' and shared their travel experiences throughout America using CouchSurfing. It was very painful to see them leave.

We do not hesitate to receive more travelers at home. We offered a room to a german guy, who had previously hosted my sister, and his Polish girlfriend. Interestingly, they met in CouchSurfing and later get married. The circle would end two years later, when I was couched by them after sharing a picnic at the Elbe river, celebrating the arrival of their first baby.

Going from hosting to being hosted at CS is not easy, but with a little patience I was accepted in Belgium by an Israeli septuagenarian, a retired military man who told me about his life and Belgian politics. What I learned from Israel, Belgium and the Jews is not in the books.

I always try to be an excellent guest, but once I arrived after midnight and doubtfully rang the bell. The man in that Prague's dark alley opened the door and we had a great conversation. Although he had to take a train early in the morning to see his ill mother, he offered me his apartment for the weekend on one condition: to keep it clean. I spent the night, but I did not accept his offer. In the morning I walked with him to the train station and wish his mother the best.

I don't like using CS for free accommodation (I don't care if you do), but for the inspiring experiences they stated in their mission. And I always find them.

I hope this summarizes the quality of people that CS connects.

Interests

• reading
• traveling
• mountaineering
• solo travel
• ecotourism
• adventure travel
• budget travel
• sightseeing
• mountains
• nature
• biking
• local food
• adrenaline
• discovering
• writting
• local culture
• nature walks
• senderismo

Countries I’ve Visited

Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, El Salvador, England, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, Mexico, United States

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