DUKE

He is a cool guy, friendly and open-minded. I've been told he plays guitar so well and also signs but I have not the pleasure to hear yet, hope it's gonna be soon, maybe we can do some music together! =)

See you soon bro!

ALX

It was a pleasure to meet Duke. He´s so funny, openminded and has tons and tons of CS-travelling-music experience. Duke and Nanouk were our first guests on Cancun´s CS podcast interviews section, called: the living room. Alex and me will upload the new season soon. Thanks for visiting us. See you in Finland!!!!

MAESTRO!!Jejeje Thank you for making this community...I couldnt have done it better ;) He used to live in Cancun, so he left the local CS very very well administrated...our embassadors are the best! Hope to see you again and hope we can talk a little bit more.
See you around the world!

wow! a real experimented traveller full of energy and vitality. with a lot of anecdotes to tell u, with lot of tips and info that to share with u. a crazy musician, unloved of the life like a song. i still remember his songs and his music one night in Monnai when the group didnt come and he save that night with his phantastic music and lovely songs:D a good person, a great member an excelent friend but most of a real traveler!!!

Duke's is a very positive person, i remember him with lot's of energy towards lots of things, traveling and music are one of the main things we talk about.

Hopefully one day in the future we can meet in some part of the world to continue those conversations and play together some Marillion tunes, beacuse i know he loves them, specially "We all need some light", lol.

.

I don't like to write a negative reference about someone, but then what is the point of "positive" and "extremely positive" if there is nothing to compare them to?

But then I think that really it is not the person you are writing the reference about but the experience. I have to say that my overall experience of Duke was negative.

The things I found negative about Duke's behaviour were as follows:

He declined to share expenses when traveling 1000km in a car with me and another CSer (whose car it was), pleading poverty. But then when we stopped at a rest area he had enough money to pay to stuff burgers into his face.

I think that if you are in this situation it is better to buy some food to share with your fellow travelers. I found it particularly disagreeable that he chose this moment to compare his experiences of Macdonald's and Burger King!

He was over an hour late for the appointment, causing us to be late for the gig (and cost extra petrol)

We had a discussion in the car about Darwinism - he was reading a book by neocon guru Christopher Hitchens. At the time I thought, vive la difference. But no. Ideology matters, and Hitchens' ideology sucks.

I don't see how the ideology that underpins the CS project (being ready to find the good in everyone, relying on trust) can be compatible with the neoconservatism of Hitchens or the social darwinism of Dawkins. It's good to read the books to find out how these people think, but I don't see how their position can be defended.

In spite of these experiences, I initially ignored them to concentrate on the good experiences I had had with Duke and left an "extremely positive" reference.

I changed it to "negative" after getting back a very overdue response to a request to vouch for me. I thought it appropriate to ask this of him since we had traveled for such a long time together. I had only 2 vouchings at this time and wanted a third so that I could vouch for the guy whom we had traveled with.

Duke declined to vouch for me. It seems very peculiar to travel with someone for so long in the capacity of freeloader and then take the trouble to explicitly refuse to vouch for that person.

This is my first ever negative reference. I hate to be the bearer of bad karma. It is only after a very long consideration that I have done so.

The good thing is, I am sure that we have both learnt from our encounter with one another and maybe, if we meet again, we will be able to frame that meeting more positively.

I could only spent one day with him in Bremen but that time was great. :) Duke is a really nice person with positive energy. It was fun to hear his experiences from Finland and finnish people. :P And I have to say that he can speak finnish without accent!!
Good luck to your life in Finland and I hope that we meet soon again. :)

I saw Duke's profile some months ago by coincidence and after reading his profile, blog and listening some of his music I found him really interesting and one kind of persons that I would like to host. What a surprise when I received the Couch Request =D, without doubt I accepted it and the experience was really nice. Duke is that kind of person who gives u a really positive impression since the first time that u meet him. Polite, funny, easy going and full of stories to tell. Summarizing, a person that u have to meet =P. I hope to see u again in Finland, Germany, Netherlands or some other place. Good luck in all your new projects =D.. y VIVA MEXICO chingada madre, jajajaja...

I started this group named CS GigSwapping on CouchSurfing. Duke came to look me up in Utrecht after we made contact on the site, which I really apriciated and we immidiately jammed a local stage together - great fun! Duke joined the group and has been supporting the project as a global ambassador, which helped a lót to make it the succes it is becoming. We set up a try out tour together, with the other CS GigSwapping musicians, visiting three European city's in the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Austria. It paid off very, very well - we met so much good people and places. Duke is a great singer, a briljant performer and a splendid drummer too. That much ame out on the tour, where he doubled for Rupert, the Layers drummsplayer who unfortunately busted his back. Duke filled in and did an amazing job! Just one example on how versatile and supportive he can be... For real, this man!

All the best freaks are here! Met him the 1st time in Monnai in France at the HC summer camp in Juy 2005. Later again at Berlin Beach camp.We two found ech other cause I spotted out the shirt he was wearing. He is Marillion fan as well as me. Talked about music for hours, but not only. Real nice and friendly guy with a special spirit. Without him a camp would not be the same.
Met him again in September 2005 in Berlin on HC camp. And like in monnai, he rocked the camp with his acoustik guitar. Just call him Dukebox. Hope to see him again!

We surf in same place. And he rocks with his guitar on the stage, special with Marillion song and i think that u performed R.E.M. song too (need to check videos ;))
I didn't know the group before (he told me about them)and they are good, i also See on VH1 the top 10 of them :);)
good luck in Finland

We met during the CS Gigswaping Party III, he is a awesome musician and singer. We had not much time to meet closer but from what I have experienced, I will be happy to do some gathering again and our couch is always available for him when he's around Czech Rep. again.

We met on the first gigswap gig in Utrecht and he then travelled with Tommy and me to Vienna. Duke is a very friendly and energetic person. And allthough he likes to joke and have fun he is also intelligent and supportive company. He is a great musician and entertainer and he surprised us all by falling in for The Layers drummer who couldn't play the Pardubice gig.

Duke does a great cover of a song by Jackson Five!

Duke stepped up for us when our drummer was injured, learned our set and helped us to put on a show in Pardubice. He went from stranger to family in a week. Once a Layer, always a Layer.

Im really glad that I met this mexican guy. Not only amazing person, but very fucking good guitar player and singer. His performance is energy and funny! Im looking forward to meet you again

I had really good time with Duke on GS Party.

Duke is the only person I know who can get up on stage, totally rock the house, and then discuss religion in the back corner of a party for 2 hours. And he seems to know everyone linked to couch surfing. Talented and super fun to be around.

Know Duke from many CS gatherings. He went and came back to the Netherlands many times. He is a really nice guy with a great voice and full of energy. I filmed him performing at the Gigswap in Utrecht, check it out how he got his first bra;) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnh_eILPdY4

he is a cool guy. easy going and open for everything! good host!

I like talking to people on the train, because they always have something interesting to teach each and every one of us And Duke was speaking in English on the train so I simply Had to ask him what the heck he was doing in Finland (the promised land of polar bears and penguins).. and he linked me into to Cs for the first time. I'm really happy I met him!

Met Duke on meetups in Amsterdam. A straightforward and energetic guy, who plays the guitar and does a dozen of other things. Sounds like an American, looks Mexican, lives in Amsterdam and acts like a worldcitizen.

He's our temporary Duke of Amsterdam! Its always good to talk, joke and laugh with Duke! Its a shame you always leave sooo soon, but a good way to get the party started! Besides that he owns a very sweet ass guitar I hope in the not to distant future he'll play us some songs because we are very keen to hear him play! Tumbs up!

Duke seemed to know me before I knew him. I think he knows everybody in CS (or maybe everybody who is active). His openness and enthousiasm rubs off on everybody he meets.

It was a real honour to meet Duke, this guy is so enthousiastic, it's really contagious. Also strange to realise that I allready sung "Jesus he knows me" with him at Sinterklaas party in Rotterdam. Makes you realise how small, but also how great the CS-community has become. Hope to meet you again somewhere/sometime and have the chance to see you playing live!

Aaah, The Mexican Latesleeper. What can I póssibly say that hasn't been said before..
Well, maybe it's worth mentioning that Duke never stops surprising me. Be it his ultra-smart mouth, or his joking nature. Or maybe how behind this facade of entertainment he's actually an intelligent and sweet, caring fella. Well, as long as you don't call him by his given name, that is.

Duke is a funny wee mexican midget whos going to grow big and strong by eating plenty of Burger King.

No really, I saw his leg extensions..

great musician with plenty of energy and fun

Duke is always the crazy person around but (and I know you wouldn't believe it if you first met him) has some reason between his music filled ears too. Always had a great time with him around!

After heared talk about Duke for some times finally I met him! And when I'll meet Zelia and João I'll send them greetings from You!!! Surf Safe!! And yeah, if You want more Ginja go to Portugal!

YEAAAAAAAH MAN!
The DUKE of couchsurfing :-)))


HOPE 2 C U in Paris man!!!


P.S:
When meeting DUKE don't miss out his amazing guitar capacaties!!!

Everybody loves Duke...(well except for Tommy) and that's not strange cause he is incredibly lovable, funny, fun, down to earth, and so easy to be(come) friends with (everyone knows that) but he is also sweet, caring, interested and easy to love (i know that) I am so happy to know him. Of course it is easy for me to say all this cause he is the most special couchsurfer for me. After a year of Duking... Saves que?...Te amo.

Duke is a very friendly guy and we both share about the same taste in music, thus have a lot to talk about.
After meeting him in a CS meeting, I happened to bump into him while he was playing guitar on the street. Really enjoyed singing along with those cute Dutch girls that surrounded him :)
Hope we meet again (perhaps in a Spock's beard concert ha?)

Duke arrenged a nice meeting in Turku while he was visiting there and I joined the meeting. He was very funny and humorous guy :) Hope to see you some day again!

Nice to see Duke after all this time, he showed me around Finland and I got to hang out with his friends for a while.

Duke = Marillion
Duke = great guest
Duke = CS

What a great, generous, big hearted host. He went out of his way to pick me up at the bus station and to show me how to get to and around Isla Mujeres. Much appreciated.

Duke is both very enthusiastic and very casual about couchsurfing, you can tell it's a way of life for him. This also means he's an experienced guest and as such you don't need to tell him what to do or not do, makes for easy hosting. Good company, especially if you take him to a karaoke and give him a mike.

We had so much fun during the trip to Stockholm. Thanks for entertain us, playing the best song in the world!

It was a great pleasure to meet the best singer of the best song in the world :) You're a great guy and sure to see you again.

Met him on a CS-cruise to Stockholm. He's a great party hoster with his guitar! :)

I think I was lucky to get to meet him and I'm hoping to see him again sometime.

im happy to get to meet duke, we met in vaasa, cs cruise and hosted him in tampere together with walter and was fun everytime ! hope to meet again !

Met through different hosts for a nice BBQ, and really enjoyed listening to him playing the guitar... Very cool guy...

Duke is a great person, he gave me a walking tour in Rotterdam and showed me his unique way to see life, always great to meet ppl like him.

Wow... want to have some fun? Duke is the right person to get in touch with!!! He is very very talkative and active in general! He is a great musician with whom is always very very interesting and fun to spend some time with!

Always nice to meet such great traveler as Duke. I guess you have all the positive references one can have, so I'll just thank you for gathering so many couchsurfers and a lovely evening we all had! Hope to see you around!

I met Duke since we were kids.
Unfortunatelly life made each of us take different paths and haven´t seen him since then. Thanks to this place we can be in touch again, at least virtually.

I remember how passionate he was for music since he was a kid, specially trying to imitate Phil Collins on the drums. I hope I can see the Duke playing live someday somewhere.

We were so lucky to have Duke on our Camp Laihia! It was one of the best moments this summer to just sing the best songs in the world =)outside in the dark, Duke playing his guitar and watching the fireworks! Great to meet a true CS active, we'll follow you =) Just sorry I had to leave to Pori but thanks for keeping my cats alive! See you soon!!

what should i write....so many references, read them!..and?.....i tell you its true! duke is a really good guy. c ya again, hopefully

Duke came to our meet and was the center of the party! He and his guitar...(our beautiful singing too ;) almost in tune lol) Was great to see someone else thats so completely into CS in town! I'm sure I'll see his face many more times and have good times together :) Big hug!

Duke has a way of making Finns talk :D He arranged a CS meeting in Turku where we met. The meeting kinda woke up the CS group of Turku. Then I met him again in the Camp Laihia meeting. Its interesting to talk with him or to listen him talk because he is intelligent and respects other people. And I appreciate his curiosity in Finland.

I wish you, dear couchsurfer who's reading this references, to meet him! You will understand why every CSer who had met him - me first! - feel so lucky. DUKE rocks da house! Thanx for everythg man...
Paris miss ya!

We had spend good time in Monnai, he knows how to enjoy, Duke is friendly and talkative.. and legend :)

Go ahead ! Give him a guitar and a really hot chili pepper and he's on for another round ^.^

Duke and Nanouk were our first CS guests. We had a fantastic time together. They are very laid back and fun to be around...Really good company. I liked them from the first moment we met and hope to see them again soon! Besitos..espero verlos pronto!

Duke is a cool bloke who is cool and friendly! :)

It was a shame that we could host Duke and Nanouk for just one night, it would be great to host them more time. We all had many talks and he played spanish guitar for a while. He also helped us to find a place in Riga.
We hope you are lucky with your plans in Finland.

He is great person to have around - he will help you to set up the Christmas tree for Christmas eve, will think up the stories for stones collected outside to make Christmas tree stable and straight, is full of cool stories and comes back if leaves some stuff at your place :))) Apple pie of course for farewell evening when they stayed with Antonio at our place ;) Hope he left some more of his things here :D

From seeing his profile a lot has been said and is true. I must add that he did loose for a while his Ipod at my place. I must report that he also took in a full teaspoon of a brutal chili sauce that would have caused major harm to an average frenchman... He barely flinched, incredible. Well, he IS mexican indeed !
I also liked his social quickness. I miss him already. He gave me the curiosity to go hundreds of miles to attend a CS meeting... soon...

How can one not be extremely positive about duke :) He is a good guest, fine party animal and a good partner in conversations. He really breathes the spirit of CS like only very few people do. We lived together for 6 months in Rotterdam and I can honestly say it has been one of the best times of my life.
See you in Finland dude!

You must know him! A very good guest and guitare player. We must see us again in a CS meeting or in Helsinki maybe!!! Stay as you are and VIVA MEXICO CABRONES!!!

Duke is a great guitar player, story-teller and just very nice guy and guest. I really wonder how he manages to be constantly on the road! Hopefully we will meet somewhere in the future and my Spanish will be better:)

Kick ass Duke! I owe him big time for introducing me to the big CS family. You never get bored with that guy. Crazy as hell. Love his humor! Thanks for the your Merillion-shirt, toothbrush, deodorant, and amazing company :)

He's an entertainer, a performer, an artist, a musician, a one man show, a team player, a whole rock band and an awesome Mexicano all in one! He's one of those rare stars which are not known to the world (yet) but make you awe when you meet them and know he's up to something revolutionizing, something spectacular.

Great guests. I was happy to host Duke and Tanja for several days. They left me yesterday and I miss them so much. I hope they will come again once probably to take Trans-Siberian Express and I will be lucky if they choose me to be their host and show them some interesting places in Moscow they didn't have time to visit last time.

Update July 25th: Duke doesn't do dishes... nor does he clean things after repeated requests to do so. He is a super host though...

I like that Duke sees a person through their words. That his ego is kept(mostly) in check and that he does dishes really well. I'm excited to be living next to this marvel of traveling spirit for the next two months.

I've known Duke from many online conversations about CS but we kept on missing each other in real life. But then we managed to make it a match when he was in town again to see a concert - again :-)
We both enjoy languages so one day started and ended with different conversations and lessons about that topic. Meeting with a friend of his after the concert we both (I and the friend) kept on humoring him with "ozzie tongue" his favorite english :-)
I really enjoyed his company and the many interesting conversations. He is a very easy to host and friendly guest and has a real deep passion for CS and in fact makes it to his lifestyle. With this he inspires people and I think that makes him an ideal spokes person for the CS community.
!Vuelve amigo! Eres siempre bienvenido.

I didn`t talk a lot with him butIt was funny that i discovered at the bonn festival that he is my neighbour in Rotterdam , we will hook up one of these days...

FINALLY met Duke !!!
So happy I could share these few experiences with you, made it soooo much more fun !!! Hope to see you again :*

Now what was that - Duke is a complete party animal and only girls write references for him... LOL Duke is a man of many skills. He can even be very quiet, as I observed, when we were both staying at Zaubii's place. I like Duke, I think I could even host him. :))

He called me for an emergency couch and came by my place with his guitar. We had a great night of party with him playing very well on his guitar! He is a very freindly person and having him as a guest, really means to met an interesting person with a lot of couchsurfing experience! I hope we will meet again!

If there is a meeting i have not seem him being in-active in it wich is just great.
We met first at some Rotterdam meetings and later been hosted in Bonn. After that we had a roadtrip from Germany via Luxembourg and Belgium to the Netherlands where we imported fries from Belgium ate them in the netherlands and thrown the papers away in Germany just before we climbed the highest "mountain" of the netherlands.
I'm sure we will meet again. Its great to talk with you and the talks are all of a great value.

let's make this a little story:
when it came to say "good bye" after seeing each other for 2 days in the beautiful city of bonn, i said "thank you" instead of "good bye" it just came out of my mouth my accident but it was the only right thing to say. i'm not sure whether ne noticed that acutally, since i said good bye properly just 2 seconds after....anyway: he made me confident about being the only active native couchsurfer in bonn :)
PS: you're actually not THAT immature :P

Absoulutly trustworthy in my opinion, just keep on spreading your spirit Duke ;)

If you want a good laugh just get on a meetin ghe is attending which is not so difficult

El Duke :D it was great getting to know duke like his profile says he is ready to break the ice as soon as you meet him plus having another mexican friend in Europe is the best makes me remember why i love mexico the people! nos vemos wey suerte en Helsinki :D Viva Mexico!

If he approves I will be his 365th CS-friend, now you have one for every day of the year, how great is that!
It was a real honour having Duke surfing my attic-room and I am thankful he came to my little (hm hm) CS-meeting in Brugge. As a true addict, I will see him v.soon!

Duke is da shizzle. But he is always travelling..

this person drinks tabasco for breakfast!
He quickly became my idol for that...lol

Last weekend I met Duke on the CS meeting in Riga and indeed, he is a real Couchaholic. He is the best example how great the idea of Couchsurfing is. Together with other CS members we walked around in the the latvian capital and I can absolutely recommend to everybody to meet or host him.:-)

This dude is quite nice to hang with