Hi there! I’m Abdré Barry — but friends, travelers, and soul companions simply call me Dré or Barry. I’m an investigative journalist, a passionate entrepreneur, and a storyteller at heart, living in Conakry, the vibrant pulse of West Africa. 🌴

For over a decade, I’ve dedicated myself to giving a voice to those we don’t often hear — through my independent international media outlet, Le Courrier d’Afrique.
My daily mission? To decode the world, build bridges through dialogue, and search for a spark of shared humanity in every encounter.

But behind the pen, there’s a man — curious, gentle, sometimes a dreamer, always sincere. I cherish real conversations, shared silences under the stars, homemade meals cooked with love, and those meaningful exchanges that stay with you long after the journey ends.

Some friends affectionately call me Maciek, a name gifted by Couchsurfers I’ve hosted — and it stayed with me, like a beautiful reminder that names, like friendships, sometimes come from the unexpected.

I speak French, English, and Spanish, and I’m learning Arabic and Chinese — not just for the words, but to better connect with people from every walk of life.

To me, Couchsurfing is not just a platform — it’s a philosophy. One built on trust, curiosity, kindness, and the belief that strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet.

So whether you’re a dreamer, a thinker, a traveler or a simple wanderer in search of connection — you are most welcome here.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m here because I believe in people over places, and stories over schedules.

Couchsurfing, for me, isn’t just about finding a bed. It’s about finding a soul connection, a human moment that makes you stop and say, “Wow. This was meant to happen.”

I don’t believe in coincidence — only meaningful encounters. Hosting or surfing, I open my door like I open my heart: with curiosity, respect, and the simple joy of meeting someone new.

So if you’re on your journey and feel like sharing part of it — even just a smile or a plate of food — you’re welcome here.

Let’s connect. If you’re someone who values human connection, cultural exchange, and good energy — I think we’ll get along just fine.

Interests

✨ My interests reflect my love for meaningful experiences and authentic human connection. I don’t just travel to visit places—I travel to feel, to understand, and to grow. 📸 Whether it’s through the lens of my camera, the pages of a powerful book, or a deep conversation shared over a home-cooked meal, I’m always seeking what is real, vibrant, and soulful.

🌍 For me, discovering the world means immersing myself in local cultures, tasting unfamiliar dishes, laughing with strangers who become family. I have a deep appreciation for African traditions—their richness, diversity, and the untold wisdom they carry.

📚 I’m deeply passionate about words: the ones we write, read, sing, or whisper when emotions are too big for silence. Literature, traditional music, storytelling, and investigative journalism are not just passions of mine—they are bridges between hearts and minds.

🚀 As a digital entrepreneur, I’m equally drawn to innovation, purpose-driven business, and helping young people—especially in Africa—unlock their potential through knowledge, creativity, and courage.

🧭 I also find great joy in nature: watching sunsets from mountain peaks, wandering through quiet riversides, sharing stories around a fire… those are the moments when I feel most alive.

• culture
• literature
• music
• outdoor activities
• entrepreneurship
• languages
• story telling
• musique du monde
• culture and history
• cuisine locale
• multilinguismes

Music, Movies, and Books

My playlist is global. You’ll find Salif Keita, Oumou Sangaré, Tracy Chapman, Youssou N'Dour, or Damien Rice — depending on the day. I love music that says something, that feels like home even if you don't know the words.

I’m drawn to films that move the soul, like Timbuktu, Dead Poets Society, or The Pursuit of Happyness. In books, I admire authors like Maryse Condé and Mongo Beti, and anything that explores the human condition with honesty and depth.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

🌄 One of the most powerful adventures of my life took place in the heart of Fouta-Djalon, a breathtaking mountain region in Guinea. I ventured there alone—no map, no schedule—guided only by the whisper of the wind and the kindness of strangers.

There, I crossed mystical forests, hidden waterfalls, and remote villages nestled among the clouds. But above all, I discovered faces—warm smiles, wise words, and centuries-old traditions that moved me deeply with their beauty and simplicity.

One unforgettable night, under a sky lit with a million stars, I was invited to take part in a sacred ritual led by the village elders. No words—just the rhythm of drums, ancestral chants, and this indescribable feeling of being both incredibly small… and profoundly alive.

That journey wasn’t just about travel—it was a revelation. It taught me humility, the art of slowing down, the value of listening, and the importance of truly being present. Since then, I don’t explore the world only with my eyes… but with my heart.

Teach, Learn, Share

I believe every person we meet holds a lesson — a piece of life we didn’t know we needed.

As a journalist and entrepreneur from West Africa, I love sharing what I’ve learned over the years:

📌 How to build meaningful projects from limited resources,
📌 How to tell stories that move people,
📌 How to stay resilient and creative, even when the odds are against you.

But above all, I’m a lifelong learner. I love hearing life stories, learning a new word in a new language over coffee, discovering traditions I’ve never seen, or simply observing how others see the world through their unique lens.

What I seek is not just a "useful" exchange — it’s a genuine one. Ideas, passions, dreams, doubts too. Because it’s in that shared humanity that we truly grow.

So if you have something to teach, something to dream, or simply a story to tell — let’s talk. I’m ready to give… and just as ready to learn.

What I Can Share with Hosts

🤝 In my home, you don’t just share a roof—you share a piece of life. Whether you're staying for one night or several days, I want you to feel welcomed like a friend, maybe even like a sibling on a shared journey.

You’ll find more than a roof. You’ll find stories, silence (if needed), good meals, and real moments. I love cooking Guinean dishes, sharing music from my part of the world, and listening to yours.

I love preparing traditional Guinean dishes—simple, tasty meals cooked with heart—and enjoying them together, surrounded by laughter and meaningful conversations. I’m always up for deep talks about life, dreams, cultures, or the state of the world.

I can show you hidden spots in Conakry, help you understand the heartbeat of Guinean society, or even share insights on how to launch an independent media outlet or start a project in Africa with little money but a lot of vision. I’m happy to take you on a little discovery of Conakry, help you understand West African culture, or simply offer a safe, warm place to rest and be yourself. We can talk about journalism, digital entrepreneurship, cultural identity, or just life itself. No pressure. Just presence.

And most of all… I’m here to listen. Because sometimes, the greatest gift we can share is simply presence—a silent moment, a kind smile, or someone who truly sees you.

Countries I’ve Visited

Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Sierra Leone, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

Guinea, Mauritania, Senegal