The Transition to "guy on couch"

I have staked my claim on the couch up on the mountain and already have my season pass now to "sneak" some of my stuff up there. It has been recommended that I can only have the shirt on my back to not take up too much space but I think if I take my television up life will be a little bit better for all.

I am considering writing a list of laws that all "guys on couch" must follow and as I collect data on this process I might begin to piece some of it together.

Stranded in Berlin - boo couchsurfing

Last night I was set to meet up with the second couchsurfer in Berlin, Germany. She had told me that she would be available on the night of the 9th around 8pm to meet up in a well-lit part of town. I sent her multiple confirmations but got no other word back from her so I went to the location at 8pm and started the sit.

I saw the sun at first...

and enjoyed the park...
Then it grew darker and darker

In the end I left around 10 pm and found internet and sent out a message to let her know I would stay until 11:30 before giving up. At quarter until 12 I paid for internet to only to find that her plans had changed and that she was not coming back to town.

This so was not my fault because I had contacted her weeks ago and had been confirming the whole time. Luckily the second hostel I tried had a room for the next night so instead of a couch I got to spend about 50+ US Dollars to stay for 2 nights, plus I lost an entire night of going out.

The jury is still out on the couchsurfing thing but I have had 2 good experiences, 1 confusing one that turned out good, and now have been stranded once as well.

I

Heading to Berlin

After closing out the Prague chapter of the adventure I found myself at another train station and this time heading to Berling Germany where I would be doing a little couchsurfing.

Pictured below is this guy and Juma. He was my host for my first 2 nights in Berlin and the time was enjoyed. The first night we attended a beer-mile like event that had over 300 beers from around the world.

Then early the next morning we headed up tp the Baltic Sea (3 hours on a packed train) but it was a great day.


The water was chilly but not unbearable and a group of us sat out and enjoyed the sun and the company. The trip was unexpected because I had planned to sight see in Berlin but a beach is always a great way to spend a day.



Luckily we figured out that the busy train back could be avoided so we played games on a less crowded (yet slightly slower train).

Couch Surfing - Wroclaw Poland

My CS experience in Wroclaw was odd to say the least but ultimately a great time. I had planned on meeting up with my host Jo when I arrived but little did I know that she had attempted to cancel on me due to a family gathering. (I was traveling overnight during this time).


Luckily she sent a friend in her stead and I ended up here.

The apartment was great but this room was taken so the first of 3 nights I would be sleeping at another apartment 3 mins away. I told them if it was easier I would just get a hostel but they assured me it would work out.

The town itself was great and I can only imagine how busy it in when school is in.


This is one of my gracious hosts.... so humble in fact he could not even show his face.


The first night was spent at a great concert venue that one of the roommates was working so I got to slip in with the others for free which saved even more money than just the cost of my room for the night.


My time in Wroclaw was great and I hope to come back someday. 3 nights were fun but I am guessing that 4 nights come Autumn would be great.

Couch Surfing

I have been a member of the CouchSurfing website for a few year now and I am utilizing this trip to really test it out. For those unfamiliar with the concept let me explain... The site functions similarly to popular social networking sites (myspace, facebook, etc.) but instead focuses on generous travelers.

An individual creates a profile and can search for a couch in the city that he/she plans to travel to. Currently I am staying in Wroclaw, Poland completely for free with some local students. The concept is generally be hosted and then return the favor. The site also focuses on safety with user submitted reviews and vouching so that individuals can read about past experiences had through the site.

Currently I have places to stay lined up in Berlin and Riga, Latvia in the near future and will only have to buy a round or two of drinks while trying to be a gracious guest. If you are not currently a member I recommend checking out CouchSufing.com and signing up.