My name is Iain Escott ('Eska' to my friends), and I am a consciously curious human originally from Toronto, Canada. Though a mechanical engineer by education, the patterns of humans, ecology, and architecture will always be more beautiful to me than machines, and my life reflects this shift toward the relational.

I have been an active host in the Couchsurfing community for over twelve years, and now live in Portugal where I've founded A Corujeira, a regenerative artist residency born from the creative rehabilitation of fire-scarred forest land. This decade of shared living has given me a deep appreciation for the shared rhythm of a home and the honest presence required to welcome a stranger. My work at A Corujeira flows through two intertwining streams: regenerating the soil through agroforestry, and practicing playful, ecological architecture as a form of applied learning. I find deep joy in asking how we can engage with ecological restoration as a communal and creative process.

I am currently on a hitchhiking pilgrimage from Kanyakumari toward the Himalayas, carrying a small amount of the ashes of my grandmother. She spent much of the 1990s volunteering at children's orphanages across India, and returning her to the gardens and places she loved is my way of honoring her memory and expressing gratitude for the transformative life she lived here. This trip is a bridge between her legacy and my own path as a builder, steward, and artist.

📸 @eyeofeska

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I find that the most meaningful way to understand a country is through the eyes of the people who live there. Hosting for twelve years has taught me that open doors lead to open hearts (and usually the best local recipes). I am here to share my stories from the road, offer my hands for any technical repairs or building projects you might have, and listen to the pulse of your community through your perspective. I value the simple trust that makes this network possible and find that staying in homes provides a somatic understanding of a place that hotels simply lack.

Interests

- Carpentry, organic architecture, and earth building techniques
- Ecology: Agroforestry, topographic mapping, and water-retention design
- Photography and documenting creative, communal, and nomadic life (@eyeofeska)
- Hitchhiking pilgrimage and long-distance travel

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: Siddhartha, l'étranger, The Forever War, Tao Te Ching, Norwegian Wood, le petit prince, Finite and Infinite Games, The Poisonwood Bible, The Ender Quintet, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Impro, Ringworld, The Kingkiller Chronicle, House of Leaves, The Way to Love, Eisler's Rain series, When Breath Becomes Air, Metamorphosis of the Prime Intellect, Be Here Now, Nonviolent Communication, Think On These Things, Ken Wilber, ...

Music: UK jazz, nu jazz, downtempo, African blues, minimal/contemporary classical, trip hop, ska, rock (classic, funk, folk, and exp/psychedelic), ...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've visited over 60 countries in my life and have had an absolutely splendid time. In 2019 I hitchhiked from Greece to China, a pilgrimage across the Silk Roach which further deepened my trust in the inherent kindness of strangers.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I value practical exchange and the quiet technical curiosity that comes with shared space. I am experienced in:

Photography and Writing: I am a professional architectural and portrait photographer, and I am currently moving through the world intimately capturing the spirits of people and the textures of places. I am happy to document your projects or capture the unique spirit of your home.

Engineering and Infrastructure: I can assist with troubleshooting off-grid electrical systems, water systems, or general repairs.

Bioconstruction and Technical Craft: My expertise includes 3D modeling, topographic mapping, timber framing, clay and lime plastering, and wattle and daub.

Agroforestry: I have a basic background in water-retention design, contour felling, and creating wildfire-resistant landscapes.

I am a simple guest who travels light and adapts easily to the rhythm of a home. I prioritize clear communication, mutual respect, and the simple trust that makes these travel networks possible.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, Norway, Palestine, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Germany, Poland, Portugal, United States