Benjamin Balzer

Meeting Benjamin & Holly was definitely a high-light of my last visit to Chico. More fun than a barrel of monkeys these two...

Ben is a one of a kind... smart, funny, charming, caring, honest, witty as hell, and has an amazing family at home that was extremely welcoming to me and my 3 friends I brought along for the ride! Cheers my friend!

Benjamin and Holly were two of the most accommodating, friendly, outgoing, charming and engaging hosts i've met in a really long time, not just in the world of couchsurfing.

They welcomed me into their home for a really long time! I stayed with them for nearly two weeks off and on and they extended every possible hospitality as well as many great suggestions for fun in the city.

if you are in portland, or anywhere in the world and they are there too, i highly recommend looking them up.

and benjamin and holly, please call us up whenever you might be on the east coast, particularly in dc. we've always got a space for you with food and drinks and tours and fun, hopefully.

thank you so much! i wouldn't have been able to go to the carfree cities conference or stay in your wonderful city without your help!

yeahhh! all i wanna say! wow what a bloody amazing city! what kinda amazing people IN this city! i love it! so benjamin and holly, am looking forward to cya on christmas :))) and that these little kids around u jump on my couch next time! have fun! and i think ... there are always 3 times in life to meeting up u ;)!!!

They are amazing, living in house which of full of fun, happiness... It was a pleasure to know them, thanks a lot Benjamin to host us. I hope to see ya guys again...

Holly and Ben are amazing hosts. Open to the nth degree. Verily trusting. It was so very refreshing to have a place that felt like home so immediately! The children are hilarious and will gobble up every nanosecond of entertaining energy that you merrily offer, and pour it back on top of your head while giggling and running away in triumph. Thank you all so much; any and all of you are always welcome with me, wherever that may be!

Ben responded to my request at super-short notice. He and his household are friendly, busy and fun. I was only there a short while but i felt well at home. An excellent host.

Always let me ride your bike, always wished me a good morning when I woke up, and even gave me a ride to the library and offered to let me tag along with the sprouts on a zoo adveture!

If you stay with this guy you will find your home away from home.

Oi Oi Oi. Bio Luminescence. Electromagnetic Fields. Dragonfly Dynamics. What a cool experience surfing with Ben and Holly -- they took me in last minute and somehow I managed to get many conversations and late nights on the porch with them amidst their kids, other surfers, jobs, and school. I learned a lot from them and left very inspired (and my meatloaf in their fridge)!

Ben is maybe the most enthusiastic advocate of Couchsurfing I have met. He's great for some intelligent conversation and knows lots about lots of subjects. Don't miss a chance to meet him!

Benjamin, Holly and the kids are great hosts! They live in a safe and quiet neighborhood. They are also very helpful. You are awesome ;-)

If there was a competition in the Olympics for funny and interesting conversation, Ben would add another gold to the USA's obscene collection (some mediocre farmer's son from Essex would probably come in 4th for GB).

For the first few nights of my stay, when Portland was somewhat akin to their self-cleaning cooker on bake, we convened on their porch staying up far past our bed times discussing politics, art, and Leeds transvestites.

Respectful and more helpful than you could wish him to be, I would definitely recommend staying with/hosting Ben.

And when the time comes: Tenga una gran vida en España!

He was kind enough to mend my glasses when I oafishly sat on them. That's pretty wicked in itself. He lives in a safe, quiet neighborhood. The kids love guests. It's a very welcoming household. He knows fun, witty people, and he's one himself. My experience on his couch convinced me to get my own CS account. Ben, you rock!

Ben is a FAB host! I had such a great time hangin with him, Holly and the coolest kids in Portland. We went to the zoo, drank wine on the porch and did a lot of talking and laughing. Ben and Holly are to of the most kind hearted beautiful people I have ever met.Thank you so very much for taking me in! I would like to do a bee bop drop by sometime nxt week to say my official good byes before I head home!!

Ben is a supurb host, his knowledge of his city was very helpful during my stay, but more importantly he gave me more information about this wonderful community we exist within. I am highly indebted to him for his insights about CS, and what it takes to keep the whole shibang operational. Thank you Ben.

Benjamin, Holly and the kids were delightful hosts and helped me and Dusty Nik when we were in need of a place at short notice. Erin kindly let us sleep in her room and Benjamin made us scrumptious blueberry pancakes for Sunday brekkie. We were most grateful they put us up despite already having a full house.

Myself and my travel buddy Tanya were in a tight situation and Ben and Holly offered us a place to stay - despite already having a full house! They are very generous and kind people with a great deal of integrity. I hope I can repay the favor one day.

Benjamin was just great. We felt so at home. One of my better couchsurfing experiences. Holly and the sprouts get mad props too.

If you are in Portland and need help... This is the man! If he can not do it, he knows who can. (OK... The rime was not intentional.) Thanks for coming to my party and thanks for all the cool stuff that centered at your house during the Portland Invasion!

Evil genius.
Is working on recruiting minions.
I highly suggest being one of his minions.

He might not have all the answers, but he does have a few awesome couches.

I'd like to thank Benjamin for hosting us at his home in Portland - it was a real positive and funny experience! Thanks!

There is so much to say, I feel a novel coming on! I knew I was surfing with Holly, but I didn't know I got the whole package (which of course includes Ben)! Hes very talkative, which is a good thing in his case, he has a lot of both interesting and hilarious stories as well as helpful information to share. He made me think more about how I would like my own future to pan out after he told me of all of his skills and adventures. He was so kind and easy to talk to, it really made my stay in Portland better because he was around. I loved to watch him interact with the kids, it was clear they respected him and loved having him around. Hes also an amazing cook, try to make it for birthday weekend, if you can!

Ben and Holly live in a really nice neiborhood. You can find anything around. There is a beautiful park right in front. The kidz where awesome. Ben did everything he could to help us out to find our way around Portland and fun things to do. He also help us out to find couches on our way down south.

I fell a little bit in love with Benjamin and Holly. We had so much fun with them and the other 400 couchsurfers at their place! We made sushi with other CSers and it was madness! (it's whips and you know it..)I hope I'll see you in Amsterdam, we'll watch EDDIE IZZARD together?! Hey y'all!We'll teach you a little dutch this time.

Benjamin is pretty awsome even though he is holding my pot for ransome, and though it is mostly my fault for not picking it up I still hold it against him and expect compensation in the form of whiskey or curry, or both.

Though I was asleep most of the time, I truely enjoyed the convos and interactions with this beautiful and creative family.
much love

Benjammin is someone I have wanted to meet for awhile and he does not fail to impress. Besides Being a fabulous host and herder of cats, he has a heart of gold and a true desire to make the world a better place. He is an extraordinary country ambassador and goes out of his way to take care of the ENTIRE community. He's not half bad in the kitchen either!

Not only did he and Holly allow me and 5+ people to crash at their house this whole weekend, he cooked for us and kept a smile on his face throughout the whole crazy weekend. If you want to know about food, talk to him. Want to know about comics, talk to him and if you want to know about things in general, talk to him! He most likely knows about it!

He has been a great Chef at many a CS gathering. Extremely generous and caring towards others. He's always there to lend a helping hand to those in need.

He's also a great conversationalist. You'll never run out of stories to exchange and it can be a great past time at their front lawn.

Ben was my first couchsurfing experience here and was very accommodating. Surfed his place during the "Invasion" in what seemed quite a full house. Turns out, only fun can ensue with more in his place.

He had a couple events at his place, during my stay and got to meet a lot of wonderful people in the process. Totally chill and funny guy to hang out with. Look forward to hanging out more in the future.

Our trip to Portland happened to coincide with the recent 'invasion.' They welcomed us into what already could have been considered a full house (the more the merrier, it turns out.) Ben and Holly were wonderful hosts, and I only wish we had more time to stay in town and hang out with them.

He came through for me and Colin in a pinch, I'd recomend him and his family to anyone that comes through Portland. He is most certainly an active assest to the Couch surfing community, and I hope to give back to the community as much as he does. Thanks again! (I promise as soon as we have a place for you to sit down we'll invite you over to repay you)

We had a great time staying with Ben and his housemates, as well as his lovely lady, Holly. We're very lucky to have had such a warmhearted, interested and intelligent guy as our first CS experience.

Ben is a cool dude and a great chef. He fed me and a bunch of freeloading cs'ers quite nicely, thank you! and he hosted my friends!

Benjamin is a unique soul. He has a very bright outlook on life with very good words to share. An amazing person to meet!

Ben rocks, bottom line!

Because both of us were quite busy during my time in Portland, we didn't get to spend much time together. But Benjamin was great conversation when I arrived at his place, made sure things would be comfortable and I would make it home okay, and as fun to hang out with at Mary's. I'd stay with him again any time, but next time I'd hope to meet Taylor, Jenni, & Holly, too.

Gracious host, makes good tasty, mmmm

I want to write a comic book about Benjamin. He's a character, make that with a CAPITAL C. And he has some too. SO many levels on which to appreciate this force of nature. Geekitude, Word-nerdiness, Kindness, Wit, Food, Art...the list goes on. Benjamin and his world rock mine.

Benjamin is an interesting and friendly guy.

This guy shows real wisdom after a few drinks ironically. Smart and hospitable.

I don't know if i can top previous references but here we go...
Benjamin is probably the most genuinely considerate guy i know. I am convinced that he is one of the only people I know that would literally give you the shirt off their back. On top of his sincere kindness he is one of the most charismatic cats i know, a natural born leader. He is as smart as he is smooth and he has no problem with expressing his opinion and keeping yours in mind while doing so. Over all Benjamin is a guy you can't go wrong by.

Benjamin was a very welcoming host and sent me off in the direction of a very interesting local evening event. He and his hostmates were very trusting of me, and I felt safe at their home.

Benjamin's awesome. Although I've never surfed with him, I definitely would. He has lots of stories to tell. He took us to see Jason and the Argonauts at the Laurelhurst Theater, and we drank beer at a number of places around town.

Ben was an excellent host and made things easy for me. I didn't get to hang out with him for very long, but he was extremely nice. Next time i am in portland i will make sure to get a hold of him. Good guy and a good experience all around.

My fiance, good friend and I stayed with Ben and his two roomates in their house in Portland and had a great time! All three were extremely helpful in helping us to figure out public transit and had great recommendations of places to go and things to do. I couldn't imagine having had better hosts. Hope things are going well guys!

Hey Ben, wait -- this is for others to read. Ok, Ben and others - thanks for letting us stay (Ben let us stay) It was awesome and you were super accommodating (Ben is awesome, Brad says your awesome) We went to the doughnut shop on Sunday, Portland was quiet but it rocked (stay with Ben he knows all the cool sh*t in Portland.) Amazing time thanks again. Mancato.

I'm grateful for the time I spent with Benjamin and Holli, a safe and loving space to spend the night where I met two wonderful people I hope to know for a very long time to come. I intend to get better acquainted with that masterful mind of Benjamin's and that loving heart of Holli's. To expanding our selves and our relationships with others, I thank you both for who you are!

B.B. is a King when it comes to the Couch Surfing community in Portland (cheesy pun intended!)

I highly recommend Ben as a couchsurfing host. Especially if it would be your first time, I was welcomed into the home and I was able to do my own thing. I even got a key to the house, and likewise the city.

I had a lovely experience. This was the first time I used this site, and it was great. Thanks Ben :)

B-est CS regional amb from ptown
E-ver (in the history of CS regional ambs from Ptown), who is:
N-ever afraid of trying something new,
J-ust
A-wesome, and on top of all that...
M-akes
I-ncredible food.
N-eeds to come visit me in Europe.

He is the PDX ambassador. Need anything else be said?

Couchsurfed with them when I first arrived in Portland. They were tremendous hosts! As advertised their cat is very friendly. Can't say enough about their generousity. Glad I met them!

If you give Benjamin $5, you'll walk away with $17. Really.
I'm not sure it's possible to rock anymore than this person does.

Very cool person! I learned a lot about the Couchsurfering community in Portland via Ben. He also introduced me to my newest favorite manga series Vagabond, which mostly parallels my travels, except for the whole being a samurai in medieval Japan.

Ben is one of the coolest people that I could've hoped to meet in Portland. He showed me a good time, got me to try new things, and made me feel very much at home in a city far, far away. Ben is funny, full of great stories, instantly likeable, and overall, a very trustworthy dude.

ben is one of the most generous people i've ever met- i stayed with him a couple months ago and i'm glad to see the flood pace of guests is still rolling! gives up his time and home for the sheer joy of it and it spreads. THANKS AGAIN BEN! xx

Ben has to be the best couch surfer on the entire social network. Honestly, I'm not speaking in hyperbole. He is absolutely wonderful and his family/roomates are incredibly fun and interesting.

I had a great time in Portland with Benjamin. He hosted a dinner party with other couchsurfers, some of his friends, and children!!! it was a blast.
Thanks for the party!

I knew Ben would be a soul brother before i met him. outlandish, trustworthy, warm, musical...he is pretty much a couchsurfer you gotta meet when your in portland and, so far as i can tell, is doing a great job gettin the city group up, running, and rolling. Cheers Ben

ben can always meke me laugh, plus he can tell a joke, and is not opposed to pictionary! what more could a girl want!

Excellent, excellent, excellent hosts! I stayed for quite a while, and they were happy to go around with me, chat it up, and give me plenty of information. Also, helped me to discover Perry Fellow Bibleship! thanks again!

OK, I'll admit it, when I signed up on this site, I *did* think it was just a space swap, a place to crash for a place to crash. But Ben told me otherwise and he was right; it's much more than that.

I have have been overwhelmed by the ready-warmth and kindness of the people I have met through CS, exemplified by Benjamin, and look forward to hanging out with him in the near future.

Benjamin is quite possibly the epitome of CS. All the things that exist in a great Couchsurfing experience; travel tales, interesting life stories, hospitality, supreme conversation skills, wide sense of humor, outstanding ability to connect with people, trust out the wazoo, well you get the picture. ALL these things exist in Ben to the Nth degree. He is one of the greatest and most influential people I have met thus far, and I mean in my entire life. Though we only spent one week of time together I feel as if I have known him for years. I plan on staying in touch with Ben for years to come. Thank you for everything Ben. You have great things to come my friend, great things.

-Epic

staying with Ben was great. I felt very welcome at his and his housemate's house. very awesome.

Ben and his house mates were awesome. very friendly and hospitable. they were one of my favorite stops on the whole west coast.

A great guy who believes in Couchsurfing! Don't miss a chance to meet this generous man. He brings a positive impact to his world every day. He is very cool and open - and has great hair.

When I think "Ben" I think Pink: Pink meat...Pink flesh...Pink shirts. Although I don't care much for pink myself, this man had a particularly dashing sense of finess while wearing it and indulging us in merciless dialogue. He saddened me in one conversation when admitting that he let yuppie skum ruin his yoga practice. I enjoyed Ben's laugh, his smile, his stories, and his incredible hospitality. Kudos Ben.Kudos.Until we meet again.

Benji-buddy is awesome. Philosopher, intellectual, chef, gamer, pirate, ninja, and only slightly pedantic.

Benjamin was a great first host. He brought me to places I would have never seen on my own but knew it was important for me to stumble on places by myself, as well. A fun and well-balanced experience!

A friend that eats, a friend indeed
a friend that cooks is better

He made the eggs and all the rest
For all us hungry beggars.

Brunch! Mooooorning!
Brunch! Mooorning!

And we both have siamese cats too.....

Fortuitously Benjamin the super ambassador / consumate host / Portland encyclopaedia hosted me for my very first couchsurf. I was incredibly spoiled. I turned up to meet multiple surfers and Portlanders at a CS party. He offers great conversation, info on all good bars / restaurants, is an excellent barhopping companion, and even introduced me to the way of the geek. Thankyou Benjamin thankyou.

it was great to meet Benjamin and the gang of CSers at his place, went to an awesome party and had some really good laughs, this dude is hilarious! eclectically worded, cardboard-cut-out enhanced, and ohh so witty. Lots going on when we met, so hopefully we can chat some more before he moves to Spain!

Ben and accually all his roommates are awesome. He gave made us feel welcome even though their house was busting at the seems. His food and bar recommendations are right on

Via Smarmy comments and rambling conversation he wowed me with his immense knowledge, class and sense of style. When you surf with Benjamin you are not just surfing with an Ambassador...you are surfing with the embodiment of a map! Benjamin comes with all the fixing of a fantastic host: hospitality, laughter, bad jokes, great hair, and a plethora of pink shirts among other amazing things! I plan on invading Portland again one day soon where Benjamin and I plan to have a cook-off dance party! YAY!

I have chilled with Benjamin at a few cs meetings and went to a party at his house. Very cool guy, easy going, sweet house in Portland amazing host.

Really a great host. I accidentally showed up right on time for a CS party he hosted, but not only was he ready to go, but he was offering me wine and striking up friendly conversation right off the bat. He seems to know a little something about everything, up to and including some light quantum mechanics and emergent perception of consciousness. Great guy to hang out with. The better I get to know him, the better I like him. :)

Benjamin showed up at my shrunken head party equipped with his own awesome head gear. Very fun and smiley! You're invited to any party I have from now on! We're planning for one the beginning of December...

Though I've yet to surf on his couch specifically, he was most certainly a gracious host. Conversational, fascinating, and full of endless facts and trivia. It felt like half the time I was content being quiet because it allowed me to get to know him better just by listening. Jackass extraordinaire, so he and I get along swimmingly. Hope to see more of him in the future. Cheers!

I had an awesome time surfing with ben and co. for a couple days. They were my first couchsurfing experience and showed me a ghettopolistic time.