HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING For me, couchsurfing is a great way to meet people from different countries and backgrounds. When people surf on my couch, I feel like I am giving something to a community to which I belong. And the best way to visit a foreign land is through the eyes of the local people. Of course, I am very independent, so I have no problem exploring on my own if hosts have no time to show me around. COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE I hosted several people while living in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt; Golden, Canda and in Bocas del Toro, Panama and had great experiences. I also surfed across Eastern Europe for 3 months and southern and east Africa and had very positive experiences. When I stay in a hostel, I just meet other travelers, but by meeting local people, I learn much more of the country in which I am traveling. I am still friends with many of my couchsurfing contacts.

Music: anything but pop and disco, particularly love funk, hip-hop and soul. Movies: anything but boring/depressing, particularly Kubrik and Cohen Brothers. Books: anything but murder/cheesy romance, particularly Salman Rushdie and T.C. Boyle