I couchsurf as a way to connect with new people and to hear their stories, with hopes of making some lifelong friends along the way. Meeting kind, impressive, inspiring people in new places is the best part about travel in my opinion! Most of my couchsurfing experiences have been phenomenal-- all positive ones. I've learned so much from all of the unique people I've met through this organization, Couchsurfing has revealed to me the most beautiful side of humanity! :) I've also had some very creepy couchsurfing experiences (can I get an "amen" from all my fellow solo female travelers?) but I'll save those stories for later...

Books: An African in Greenland. The Alchemist. The Prophet. Anything by Rilke, Wilde, or Bukowski.