Raised in California, I discovered myself in the mountains, lakes, deserts, and highways of the American West. I studied astrophysics and education theory, served at summer camps, wrote four books, spoke for parents, and took teenagers on their first big international trips. All the while, I continued my own travels and adventures, never craving a normal job, house, or life.

Now I’m slowly cycling through Europe, writing, dancing, working a bit, meeting old friends, and discovering what comes next.

More: https://blakeboles.com

Thoughts on housing: https://letters.blakeboles.com/p/house-room-home

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

"Couchsurfing is a worthwhile gamble in assuming the best in others."
(I stole from someone else's profile)

Interests

• writing
• trail running
• settlers of catan
• frisbee
• acroyoga
• bike touring
• slacklining
• argentine tango
• fusion dancing

Teach, Learn, Share

The true risks of travel are disappointment and transformation: the fear you'll be the same person when you go home, and the fear you won't.

—Kate Harris

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"Do what you love!" cry the motivational speakers. But I think anybody who tells people to do what they love no matter what should also have to teach a money management course.
"Do what you love" + low overhead = a good life.
"Do what you love" + "I deserve nice things" = a time bomb.

—Austin Kleon

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I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time.

—Jack London

What I Can Share with Hosts

■ Things I like to do for hosts: buy dinner, cook dinner, clean the kitchen.
■ Things I like to do on my own: read, write, run, explore coffeeshops and bookstores.
■ Things I don't expect from hosts: constant entertainment, tour guide service, food.

I’ve hosted and stayed with men, women, couples, and non-binary/non-conforming couchsurfers. Everyone is welcome, and everyone should feel safe.

CS ≠ Tinder. Couchsurfing brings together friendly, like-minded people, so I’m not surprised when I sometimes meet couples who first connected here. But to be clear, it is not a dating app.

If you're using other hospitality networks, watch out for the Couchsurfing censors... https://www.reddit.com/r/couchsurfing/comments/14nunh2/longtime_couchsurfing_user_suspended_for/

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Guatemala, Iceland, India, Italy, Laos, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Argentina, Germany, New Zealand, United States

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