Bastien Genefort

I was a bit afraid at the beginning to meet him as we are 2 social butterflys but Bastien offered me a wonderful time for my first days in NYC and i would never regret it and forget it ! He was simply fantastic and introduced me to New York the best way. He kindly offered me to stay last minute and to stay again, has always been kind to me when i needed. He is definitely a super guy, very genuine, he is a great tour guide and a fantastic beer pal. But he can be also serious sometimes, you just have to deserve it !
To add a last thing, he IS what every ambassador should be. He just wanna help genuinely, doesnt care about the honours that some are looking for in that status, he just want to help and meet people the most genuinely he can. If someday i felt to be one, that would probably be thanks to him.

I hosted Bastien's cat Nata (!) for a couple months and when he came to retrieve her we had a chance to pick each other's brains over some falafel. I enjoyed hearing about bar work, the difference between rural and urban France, and ex-pat life in New York City. With his positive attitude, it's not surprising that this guy makes even the most active Couchsurfer look like a slacker in comparison! Like the old cowboy song says, happy trails to you until we meet again...

I only met this guy in some alternative bar in Amsterdam and I started chatting to him through Aurora, who I'd met at the same bar.
Bastien gave me a great little talk on couchsurfing, his experience and seemed like an intelligent, worldworthy and friendly person.

However - I was incredibly drunk=P So I'm not sure that I portrayed myself in the same positive light. However, great meeting - I would leave my couch open for Bastien if he found himself in England.

Bastien and his cat, my first guest that took his pet with him the cat has seen many country's.
Bastien tried herring in all different kinds, the sour the salty the baked he is generous and love to share stories. We had a good time in Amsterdam and next time he is welcome again with his hairy friend.

Bastien was dressed up as a Christmas tree when he greeted me at Revival almost a year ago. He has almost single-handedly transformed NY CS into what it is today. And he does it all on about 10 hours of sleep per week!

Bastien is a true Ambassador. He was fun to hang with and truly wanted to be of service to all who participated in couchcrash 08.

the CS core in NY is a partygang... I had an amazing time... and I got pretty drunk...

Bastien is just great!!! he decided to host me even if I requested to surf his coach with few time in advanced. Altough he had to work and I didn't have the chance to spend so much time with him, I can tell you that he is really kind and generous! I hope u have the chance to meet him in NYC! Thanks to you and your friends for hosting a basque and for the wonderful time I had in New York!:)

Bastien was a true ambassador in every sense of the word. First he provided a personal escort from Harlem to the East Village via the subway, least I not end up in New Jersey :-)The gift of the NFT Guide was an invaluable tool! Shopping for edibles (which unfortunately I didn't have the chance to wear)...lunch in Union Square, drinks at the Union Bar, the flexibility of staying an extra night in the village and most importantly the use of his computer so I could meet a deadline...WOW. Thank you so much Bastien your hospitality is very much appreciated.

Wait, this isn't a dating site? Shit :) Anyway, Bastien hardly needs a reference here.. he's the CS king of NY and a real traveler. The office wont be the same without this guy.

He helped me get to the Revial Bar, and helped me and my friends get in.

There are no words to express what a great person Bastien is. He personifies what CouchSurfing is all about. During CouchCrash he kept offering me his couch in case I didn't want to get the train back to Long Island and he always makes sure that everyone is having a good time.

Bastien was the most gracious of hosts! Thanks for all you did for this event and us we had a blast - up until we hit Florida- We flew right into a tropical storm whee! NYC and Kenny's was fun, thanks for inviting us!
All the best
Rob and Michele
lumpyfuton at couch surfing dot com

A great rush of warm energy the first time I met Bastien at another couch surfer's dinner party. And always a joy to exchange a genuine connection at Revival and lunch. A special spirit in New York. The best of luck where ever the world takes you!

Bastien helped organize the ultra-cool Couch Crash Festival '08, and I enjoyed chilling with him and others on the inflatable orange couches, listening to music, singing "Puff the Magic Dragon" and relaxing. Thanks Bastien!

I met Bastien briefly at the NYC CouchCrash Fest Living-Room and enjoyed his company for a few hours.

Bastien was one of the guys who organized the super amazing NYC Couch Crash Festival 08. He's genuinely sincere and passionate about the CouchSurfing project and that enthusiasm is contagious! I had the opportunity to spend some time with him during the week and am glad I did! Enchanté and see you again!

Bastien is such a good hearted guy. He's got a great sense of humor always knows how to bring people together. If couch surfing were a person, it would be Bastien. He's definitely one of the greatest CSers that I've met.

Bastien is like a balloon floating in the air. welcomes anyone with his warm heart, float like nothing is holding him back. NY CS community would be like a kid without a crown on his birthday. I really appreciate what he is and does to others in this whole planet.

Bastien is one of those guys who really believes in CouchSurfing as an institution, as an ideal, as a meaningful movement. Let him preach his thoughts about CS to you and you will become a believer, too.

awesome, nice and easy going guy whom I had a short convo w/ but totally dug his vibe! & I liked his store bought pizza!

Bastien is a wonderful person! Believe me... you HAVE TO meet him if you're passing by NY! The best host I've ever had! He's so alive, smart, funny, and he has so much positive energy! So curiose and easygoing...the real PR of Manhattan!! We spent time talking about everything, and it was always nice spending time with him sharing ideas and points of views. I wish him all the best...waiting to meet him next June in Manila, of course! Take care and keep on mooooooving Bastien!!

Bastien!!!!He is the perfect host!!!!!Too lucky to have had the chance to stay one week with him!!!JUST AMAZING!!!!easy going, full of energy,good vibes...the best host I've ever had!!!and NY....iS MAGIC!!!!!I hope to see u on the 7th of June in Manila next year!!!!!and for sure..you are always welcome in Italy to buy a real mandolino!!!!you'll sleep when you are dead!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Bastien is a great person to know, he knows how to have a good time, and can deal with the NYC schedule of not sleeping. Hope to attend many of his parties, and have him at many of mine :-)
After less than a month of knowing this guy I consider him a good friend.

--Seth

There's no one better to go on a trip with than this friendly, funny, and crazy man. A true friend for life, even if he thinks he might escape New York :-)

The living represenation of Joe Cool.

Definitely someone you'd want part of your life in any capacity.

Deserving of all the praise he gets and more without him ever wanting/needing it.

Bastien is one of the easiest going guy on earth. I've heard his name over years but never get chance to hang out. We had a great conversation together this past Thursday night and found out he is going to rock NYC this summer without me. Bastien has his way to make people feel comfortable and welcoming. Hey, we have to talk about the cruise.

Bastien was very nice. He loves to party, so be prepared! We were not!! :) We woke too early to stay up so late, but even so Bastien was gracious and welcoming. We ended up not sleeping over the period we expected, but Bastien was gracious enough to accept us into his home. His roommates were all lovely as were their friends we met. I enjoyed our time together Bastien and hopefully we meet again! Oh and I'll have to remember to send the information for CS Band from Uruguay: PLACENTAS-- very good! :)

I met this worldwide guy in a pub in NYC. Two french frome the same place in France meeting in a pub in NYC... Strange and fun. I think is a person to know. Don't spend time enough to know each other very well, but I hope we'll have the opportunity to do so... See ya Bastien !!!

Bastien is fabulous! If you love New York, you should meet this man. If you love Couchsurfing, you should meet this man. If your idea of a friend is someone who's open-hearted, smart, genuine, kind, outgoing, passionate and fun, then there's definitely no doubt: you should meet this man! Bastien's enthusiasm is contagious, yet he manages to keep a cool, relaxed attitude 24/7. He helped me find a couch in New York on very short notice even if he couldn't host me personally, and I ended up finding a whole household of CS gems, including Bastien himself, who was there to lift my spirits with his fantastic French accent and his brilliant personality. Yep, the man's pretty awesome. And you'll be lucky to meet him!

Bastien is an inspiration to all the CS's family, i met him in person and I look forward to meet him again and again and again :)... we all love you Bastien

Good times at the Buffalo Invasion! Bastien was a pleasure to host. Can't wait to where we will meet up again!

Bastien is the epitome of the couchsurfing spirit. He's one of those people with volunteering genes whom I admire yet I usually don't have the guts to be one. He picked me up in a rainy day took me to a cozy Italian restaurant where we had a "lovely dinner" and talked about everything. And he has a great couch with a grrrreat view.

Bastien was great fun during our parties and fun-making during the invasion. His warm open attitude and personality instantly put you at east. You know you've met a friend as soon as you shake his hand.

I joined CS recently and for two nights in a row I've had a great time, met a lot of surfers and hosted my first 2 surfers right away. Bastien is a great guy who genuinely cares about people and bringing them together. These are the type of people that make this city a better place.

UPDATE 9 Months later:
Bastien is the king of couch surfing and a great guy. He is motivated and kind. Always thinking big and outside the box. He is the champion and torch bearer of the NYC CS community. He has become a good friend and co-conspirator for devilish nights and creative ways to connect the lovely people from across waters to the lovely people on this drowning island, we call New York. We are planning a huge CS Festival in Aug and has shown trust by letting me help wrangle in the kiddies every Thurs at Revival. It's unfathomable to think that he will someday leave us. We party hard and work hard together. It's going to be a good summer.

A genuine man.

Bastien is the man to know in New York. He is a warm, welcoming host, with an encyclopedic knowledge of bars, restaurants, and events, and an apartment that boasts a sweeping view of the city. He is the master of open bars and free food, and a cornerstone in the couchsurfing community of New York. He is also a devoted host with a passionate interpretation of what it means to couchsurf. Bastien is to couchsurfing as Union Square is to East Village. Thanks for a wonderful time Bastien, from crocodiles to pasties, swimming pools to rooftops. Viva le Bastien!

I stayed with Bastien for three nights. It was great. He is hospitable, generous, and genuinely interested in other people and cultures. Thank you Bastien.

We had a great time hanging around the several CS meetings that happened in town during our stay in NYC. It's a pity he wasn't much in the apartment. Probably due to he being a party animal like few I've seen in my life :)

Bastien has an open heart and open mind. He was one of the first CSers I ever met, and he's kept it fun and interesting since. I already miss him, now that I'm in Oz, and will be sad to be in NY without him once he leaves :( Hopefully I'll get a visit while I'm here in Australia :)

Ne me quitte pas! Je t'aime Bastien!
Ok, now I am done screaming Bastien's praises in French...

What a fantastic person! I met him in NYC, but not really officially. It was only when he came to Richmond, did we really spend much time together.

Bastien is sweet! He is funny, he is generous, he cooked for us! Cleaned for us! He bought me cookies that taste of his childhood! They were delicious :)

I'll see you when I come back to NYC Bastien! I'll be with the Daves, and water guns! There shall be more beer and dancing I'm sure!

---

Bastien hosted me, went shopping with me, partied with me, walked me back to Frances' when i got lost, and relaxed with me at his. His kindness just extends beyond anything I could expect.
I really think of bastien as a friend x

This person does a whole lot for CS in New York...got Revival going thursday nights and really keeps the interest high in NYC

I met Bastien at the couchsurfing/idealist get together. I think "nice guy" sums it up.

:)

From sleeping in a bus station, knitting, juggling, watching elephants march through manhattan, wandering around or talking for hours, all moments spent with Bastien I thoroughly enjoy. He is an amazing, warm, open hearted person who makes you feel very comfortable. He has lots of ideas and initiative that truly helps giving the NY CS scene it's wonderful heartbeat.

Bastien nick name should be "Mr.Revival" because he's always seems to be the first one to get things organized. Whether it may be for the Revival itself or a party over at his place!

A real solid contributor to the Couch Surfing website.An extremely hospitable guy who hosts like mad! I can't wait till I get an opportunity to cash at his place! Cheers towards many more hang outs and parties together!

Bastien!
This guy is lovable and friendly! He threw a awesome NYE party and he is just a total sweetheart! He was amazingly kind and generous! I only wish I had been able to get to know him better...but from what I saw I know that I have to get to know him a lot better :)


:Update:
Bastien rocks :) We met back up in Richmond and had some fun times! The entire time I just wanted to give him hugs! He is darling! He even let me steal him off for some fun dancing!! Btw he is also a awesome cuddler! Come down with Janna and visit me!

Oh Richmond Invasion, where would we all be without you?! I think after I successfully introduced the possibilities of near death experiences while driving around a car load of CSers, it takes a lot for a person to smile and sincerely say that he enjoyed himself. Maybe there is something in the water (or the beer), but Bastien gets major kudos for relishing life and its people, because he can do just that! I really had a terrific experience traveling and talking with Bastien; there isn't much that wins over the amazing combinations of French films and house parties, nor a park stroll with Nutella. I'm hoping there will be more in store with this terrific person!

indeed a relaxed dude, chilling around in nyc.and a mosgt charming accent i must say :)

After hearing Kristin and Nicky talk about Bastien for months, I was finally able to meet him at the weekly Revival Meeting. Within seconds of meeting him, I understood why! So funny, extremely welcoming, and has the greatest hat I have ever seen. I hope to hang out with him again before I leave!
--
Months and months later, Bastien is still awesome :)

Well, i only met with Bastien twice in my life and both times in the same city and the same place, but i can assure he's a great dude! People talk you know? And i havent heard anything bad about him! Hope one day we can spent a longer time together! too bad i missed that trip to boston! :)

So the one problem with extremely active couchsurfers like Bastien, is that they are eh... extremely active. As in: actively engaging all the 5 zillion couchsurfers that come to New York City every day. So for that reason we didn't quite get to talk enough over the few days that I surfed Bastien's couch. And of course I was the big party pooper on the last night, bailing out right before the elephants walked in. So it's my own fault as well. But all in all I consider it a privilege to have been hosted by this French globetrotter, and I hope (and am sure) that I will see him again soon! Keep spreading the couchsurf bug Bastien. :)

Bastien is a great ambassador for Couchsurfers. It seems like he's always organizing events for his fellow Couchsurfers. Can't wait to participate in his next NYC event. Thanks Bastien for the great hospitality! See you in Beijing.

Bastien is a very nice and trustful guy. He promptly responded a message I sent to the group and lent me his bike in NY, which made one of my best days at there! Didn't had the opportunity to be his guest, but he seems like a very good and experienced host, as well as lives in an apartment with and amazing view of NYC.

Bastien is a wicked cool dude who is the quintisental Couch Surfer. I had a great time meeting him on St. Patty's/Evacuation Day in Boston and I can't wait for my next chance to hang out with him!

Bastien has a natural way of bringing people together.
He is someone who people migrate to, someone who people just want to be around. He's always willing to lend a hand. He's always equipted with great advice and he always welcomes the challenge to take big ideas and make them reality. : )

I didn't surf with Bastien when I was in NY but I did get to spend a couple nights out at the bar with him and there are precious few people out there friendlier than this guy. I had a great time exploring one of the seediest bars in the country and talking about travel. Look him up even if you don't intend to surf with him.

Like Frank said: "Everything is easier in a new city if there's a Bastien!" He is a big part of cs and he lives couchsurfing...that´s his lifestyle. We had cool a Halloween & a Thanksgiving Party at his place in Harlem. His a great guy.

If you are ever given the opportunity to cross this guys path somewhere in the world, make sure you stop and have a drink with him, you will not regret it. Bastien is a kind, generous, oddly humorous French man with sincere optimism. His hugs are sensational as are his abilities to see the best in people. I feel fortunate to have met him and to have shared so many fun, funnier, crazy, exciting, sobering and serious moments. A+ et bisous, hope to see you in Oz in the near distant future :)

Awesome person. Thank u for using your passport to get in the bars. See you soon.

The man, the legend. We were initially amazed at the fact that everyone knew Bastien when we first arrived in NY, but we got used to it, because the dude's just great to everyone. Even mentioning the fact that we were surfing Bastien's couch would earn us extra respect, more beer, and women. Bastien's aura is so awesome, it made us seem cool too. His couch is nice, big and comfy, and his apartment-for-rent is a really sweet deal too.

Sorry it took us so long to get back to you, Bas! We just got caught up with classes and everything. Suet says she misses you. Did you find a special someone to "hold your baguette"? Thanks for making our virginal CS experience so memorable!

NYC wouldn´t have been the same if it wasn´t for Bastien, such a down to earth friendly guy. Bastien is always willing to meet new people and does so on a million a day basis but never fails to connect with each person. Thanks for everything Bastien and come to Valencia

This neversleeping superman under gray hat (or Bastien, as they call him) was kind enough to let me stay at his uber-comfy apt in east village, since I found my own place, which actually save my first week. I met him in my first NYC day/night at Revival, and since then I am watching his generosity, friendliness, energy and great hospitality with great astonishment.

Stick to him and you will learn every bit of New York taste in a couple of days.

Bastien is the bomb !!!! [the good kind] thanks for inviting me to the Party, it was my first intro to cs and i love it !!
Anytime you want to hear about 25 years in nyc, look me up. otherwise , i will see you next week !!

Met at the gathering last night, he made me & my friend feel really welcome and was always available for a chat as we wandered through the crowd :)

Bastien is a fun, crazy, always up to do something interesting kind of person. Right up my ally! Whether you want to go for thai food, ice skating in the park or go "dungeon dancing" til four in the morning, hes your guy. He knows lots of great spots around nyc, so take advantage of his knowledge! He is one of the many parts of nyc that I will definitely be missing.

Bastien's couch was full, unfortunately, but I got to stay in his amazing apartment in the East Village... extraordinary location, affordable, and even had a living room! Bastien might be the best person in New York to surf with: he knows pretty much anything you could ever want to know about the city, particularly how to get by on a dime. He'll also invite you to the coolest parties in the area. Go to them (particularly if they are hipster themed ;).) Thanks for the fantastic experience! I can't wait to return to the city.

Bastien is a very fun guy, friendly, kind-hearted, and really just lovable! He let me practice my French with him until I was the one who couldn't stand it anymore one night. So yeah, he's generous too! haha ;D He has a lot of energy, so you better be able to handle it, people! Bastien, you're awesome.

Bastien!!! =) I really admire this guy for all he does for the CS community here in NYC. And on top of that he's very down to earth with an easy going personality. Glad you could make it to my party and hope to see you again soon!

Bastien opened my eyes on the Couch Surfing community. Without his trust and open armed welcome I wouldn't have had the chance to see New York the way I did. Bastien is such a great guy who'll do as much as he can to help you. Shame Im not in NYC more often but I'm sure to check how his Couch Surfing empire is going next time Im in town. Thanks for showing me a great time. Keep up the good work!

Do I have something substantial to say about Bastien ? Well, that's kind of difficult, so many things were said about him, all good stuff (and as much as I know, totally deserved... ), that maybe I shoudn't leave my reference, maybe that's pointless... But I still think that I wanna do it, just to thank him for being the way he is, kind and generous, patient, open, so sweet and welcoming. I believe that guy just loves people, and do whatever it takes to help, to make life easier for a lot of them. It's the kind of guy that you feel you can count on, and who never let you down. And he's really fun to hang out with, I wish I had more time in NYC to spend more moments with him. Hopefully soon, when I'll come back ;)

It is almost ridiculous to leave Bastien a reference, since there're already so many positive ones... he's a very nice guy, good listener, and seems to be tireless and to really love life. A consummate CSer, I'd say.

Know Bastien since December 2006. We were the winning team at the Sinterklaas party in Rotterdam, YES! He is like a friend, feel complety myself in his presence. I surfed his couch in New York in August 2007 and met many other surfers at a CS diner. He is just a great guy and really fun to hang out with. He rented us a room 'cheaply' in the East Village on 2nd street for 4 nights ... as my non-CS boyfriend didn't want to surf a couch;) Ask him if you like your privacy. Had fun when we were in NY in December, thanx for everything you are the best.

Bastien is Mr. NYC couchsurfing. He knows the city back to front and is really good to sit down and chat with. I had a great time getting to know him and all his friends. He also has a really cool hat:)

Spent the Christmas Eve at a party Bastien organized for couch surfers in his apartment, like everything else he organizes, it was wonderful. As part of the random present exchange at the party, I got a lottery ticket form him, we didn't win but who cares about money when one is lucky enough to meet so many amazing couch surfers? Everyone around him is always interesting and nice! Oh, and he is a Petit Prince fan too!

Bastien is doing an amazing job for the CS NY community. It's good to see you every thursday for booze and laught. see you

I had seen him at some CS meetings but I didn't really know him till I ended up on his couch one night -and I found out that he was very cool -a great guy! So I spend my last two weeks in NYC with him -enjoying every second of it. He is such a warm and open guy, who truly are interested in and cares about other people. Miss you Bastien!

Bastian's dedication in NY CS community is nothing less than admirable, he is a great ambassador for both Couchsurfing and New York. Friendly, kind, generous, French, fun and funny. It is his dedication that made Revival bar the mingling heart and a must-visit place for many CSers in the area. Great job dude!

He is now My Sweet Bastien. I'm so glad that I get a chance to be in his presence. What a charmer!! Your life will dramatically improve just by talking to him! :0)

If you go to your local toy store you can pickup a Bastien CS Action Figure...it comes with some wine and pate in one hand and the other is stretched out ready to give you a big hug...also, it has sweet apartment in Harlem (action figures these days have their own digs) and also functions as a key to unlock the door to a special and ex