COUCHSURFING

How do I make my travelling possible?

I get from A to B usually in buses but sometimes some generous soul gives me a lift to my next destination. The buses in Mexico are amazingly cheap, run very frequently, all have A/C and sometimes I get a sandwich and drink included on the bus fare.

In regards to accommodation that’s a different story, I depend greatly on two Communities; one is called Couchsurfing and the other Hospitality Club. They’re very different from one another but their ethos could not be more alike, as they provide cultural exchanges by helping travellers fulfil their dreams, in lots of different ways. One can be a Guest or a Host.

Hosts of both communities will offer one or all of the following (depending on their individual circumstances and possibilities):

• Free accommodation in the form of a Couch/Sofa, bed, hooks for hammocks, hard floor or even the backyard to pitch a tent.
• Sometimes hosts will bigheartedly share meals and/or drinks.
• Showers, baths, etc to Guests or even to cyclers that just pass by.
• Other times they can’t offer any of the above but will happily show (or drive) the Guest around the town/city they call home.
• Spend some time with the Guest or give him freedom to do his own thing.
• Finally, as they know the place very well, they can give useful hints and warnings that can, more often than not, save the Guest’s bacon or wallet.
• Etc.

Guests will:

• Follow the house rules stipulated by the Host
• Be pleasant and respectful.
• Clean after themselves, after meals, after using the toilet, etc
• Contribute somehow, either by telling their amazing travel tales or _ _ _ _ (fill in the gap!)
• Not overstay their welcome.
• Not help themselves to towels, shower gel, shampoo without previously agreeing it with the Host
• Always ask first and explain your situation, hosts are very thoughtful.
• If using the Host’s internet, ensure that no viruses are downloaded to the Host’s computer.
• Be honest and not lie to the Host
• Most definitely, not steal or “borrow” anything
• Etc.
• Remember that the Host is already blindly opening the doors of his house to a complete stranger so if the Guest does something out of order, the image of the Community will be tainted, the Host will lose faith and no longer trust any future travellers.

During my travels in the United States and Mexico, I’ve constantly been the Guest and I’ve been fortunate to have met the most amazing Hosts that welcomed me into their lives and homes, shared their personal time, food, water and knowledge with me, they’ve all truly believed in trying to make a difference, adhering to the CoushSurfing’s current mission: “Making this world a better place, one couch at a time”

Thank you.

Ciao 4 now

~ Paulo ~