When I was growing up, and we went on vacation, we rarely stayed in hotels: my parents found local B&Bs and we stayed with family members or friends. Couchsurfing seems like a way to connect with like-minded people, to whatever degree makes sense (I'd be open to making a new friend and sharing breakfast, but I'd also be open to doing my own thing). I don't host couchsurfers (maybe in the future), but if you want you can contact me and maybe come over for tea or a meal.

Some books I have read and liked: • A Tale For the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki • You're Never Weird on the Internet (almost) by Felicia Day • Off the Map by Mark Jenkins • The Birth House by Ami McKay • Saving Fish from Drowning by Amy Tan • Every Day Gets a Little Closer by Irvin Yalom and Ginny Elkin • The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein • a number of books by P.D. James • all the Harry Potter series (of course) • James Herriott's short stories