General Information
| Christopher Farrell has been vouched for |
| VERIFIED MEMBER Identity Checked, Location Verified (3) more info |
| Couch available | Yes |
|---|
| CouchSurf requests replied to | 100% |
|---|
| member since | April 11th, 2007 |
|---|
| profile views | 1371 |
|---|
| age | 25 |
|---|
| birthday | 20 September
Everyone can see this. |
|---|
| gender | Male |
|---|
| membername | KIWIAORAKI |
|---|
| occupation | Fabulous Itinerant Poet |
|---|
| education | B.A. in Geography, currently working on my M.A. in Pacific Studies |
|---|
| grew up in | Easton, PA |
|---|
| ethnicity | Irish |
|---|
| Direct Profile URL |
|---|
Languages- English (United States)Expert
- English (New Zealand)Expert
- Spanish (Mexico)Intermediate
- MaoriBeginner
Groups I Belong ToCouch Information
Couch Available: Yes
Preferred Gender: Any
Max Surfers Per Night: 2
Shared Sleeping Surface: No
Shared Room: DependsThe only "couch" I can offer is floorspace. I have a sleeping pad you can use. Bringing your own sleeping bag is preferred, but if you don't have one, we can work something out. If you have a tent, you can pitch it in the backyard
I live in Van Nuys, which is in the San Fernando Valley, about 15 miles (23 km) from LA. Currently I live with my father, sister Dannielle (22), and sister Maelea (12). LA is extremely problematic to get around if you do not have a car or campervan. Hitchhiking is not recommended (and extremely difficult) and public transportation is not so good. I go to bed late and I really enjoy video games, so if you're up for a game or two, let's go! Smoking is OK but only outside. My father has a strict rule of no alcohol. Please respect this by not bringing any to the house (even as a gift). If you're a good cook, showing me how to make exotic dishes would be nice :)
One favour that I do ask: if you email several CouchSurfers in the area please let me know. I don't have a problem with that at all, it's that my house is rather inconveniently located and I can understand if someone offered their couch in a better location. However I don't want to have to rearrange all my plans to a CSer whom I said yes to and then have them tell me they don't need my couch a day or two before I'm scheduled to host them. It's just a measure of consideration
I travel a lot! If I'm not in town, do not be surprised! Unfortunately I do not know any other CouchSurfers who live nearby (although there are many CSers, I don't know them personally), so if I'm not available I don't have anyone I can refer you to.
Tourist attractions in the Valley are few and far between but there are a few gems out there. Rock climbing enthusiasts can enjoy Stony Point. For those interested in history the San Fernando Mission is only a few miles away. Ventura Blvd. has many fine restaurants and places to shop. The San Fernando Valley is off the tourist trail, but definitely recommended for those who want to see more than just the main sights.
Most of the real tourist attractions are further away. Hollywood and Venice Beach are the two hotspots for tourists. Theme parks, including Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland, Magic Mountain, and Raging Waters are all within an hour's drive.
Two or three days is a good amount of time, but the length of stay is negotiable
If you're stranded somewhere you can call me at (818) 620-2632. I don't get enough CSers so I'd be more than happy to host you! Friends (45)
 Teressa Hom
44, Several people
Santa Rosa, California
United States
Friends since December 2007
"He's my love"
Friendship Type: Close Friend
  30+  30+  30+ |
 Pete Fowler
62, Male
Invercargill, Southland
New Zealand
Friends since January 2009
"We gave him a ride when he was hitch-hiking."
Friendship Type: Close Friend
6 |
 Angie Priel
26, Male
Cerro, La Habana City
Cuba
Friends since October 2009
"TROUGTH COUCH WEBSIDE,"
Friendship Type: CouchSurfing Friend
6 |
 Lori Farris
42, Female
Apple Valley, California
United States
Friends since April 2010
"Met at a CS bar hop thru Max Sullivan"
Friendship Type: Friend
|
 AMANDA 9
31, Female
Seattle, Washington
United States
Friends since March 2009
"Met couchsurfing"
Friendship Type: CouchSurfing Friend
I vouched for Christopher Farrell
|
 Robert Yacamini and Brigid Taylor
34, Several people
Montrose, Scotland
United Kingdom
Friends since June 2009
"He stays in the same pad as Nick, and was at the party...also Queenstowns resident street poet."
Friendship Type: Acquaintance
|
 fi & api's haven
50, Several people
Nadi, Western Division
Fiji
Friends since August 2009
"met at Louisa's house"
Friendship Type: CouchSurfing Friend
I vouched for Christopher Farrell
|
 David Muñoz Compte
36, Male
Centro Habana, La Habana City
Cuba
Friends since October 2009
"He visited me in Havana"
Friendship Type: CouchSurfing Friend
7 |
 Dina Angress
81, Female
Petaluma, California
United States
Friends since April 2010
"He surfed my "couch""
Friendship Type: CouchSurfing Friend
I vouched for Christopher Farrell
1 |
 Max Sullivan
26, Male
Canoga Park, California
United States
Friends since April 2010
"CSLA barhop"
Friendship Type: CouchSurfing Friend
| | 35 more friends |
|
 Testing my bravery with Svinafellsjökull and Hvannadalshnúkur ahead of meView all 22 photos
Personal DescriptionWith a huge sense of wanderlust I love to travel this beautiful world. I'm trying to visit all 7 continents (I've been to 4)within the next 3 years. My travel experience includes 17 countries, with my favourite being New Zealand and the most unique probably being Niue or Greenland. My next journey will be a return to Costa Rica. When I'm not traveling, I read up on possible places to visit next.
On days that I'm not working and saving for my next trip, I'm riding my bicycle and doing about 25-35 miles a day!
I'm an ordinary person who lives an extraordinary life, a human who accomplishes superhuman achievements, and a worldly man who does otherworldly things!How I Participate in CSI host CSers whenever the opportunity arises, and speaking of I really want (and need) to host more CSers. I feel that I surf too much and don't host enough. I've only hosted CSers in New Zealand; I've yet to host at my main home in California
Of the 18 countries I've been to I've surfed in 8 of them (Peru, Belgium, Luxembourg, Fiji, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Cuba, and Nicaragua)
I've attended CS events/gatherings in New Zealand, Costa Rica, and in the USCouchSurfing ExperienceIt's actually hard to surf on a couch because it isn't polite to stand or put your feet on someone else's couch and you can't put a couch in the ocean :)
        
Surfed:
Felix - Lima, Peru: 1 night
Bogdan - Brussels, Belgium: 2 nights
Tristan - Luxembourg, Luxembourg: 3 nights
Fenton - Suva, Fiji: 2 nights
Nikki - Whitianga, New Zealand: 27 nights (off and on)
Barbara & Craig - New Plymouth, New Zealand: 3 nights
Steven - Wellington, New Zealand: 3 nights
Sarsha - Wellington, New Zealand: 2 nights
Lorraine - Rotorua, New Zealand: 2 nights
Julie - Stratford, New Zealand: 3 nights
Jay - Wellington, New Zealand: 3 nights
Craig - Christchurch, New Zealand: 3 nights
Andy - Timaru, New Zealand: 1 night
Gail - Christchurch, New Zealand: 4 nights
Nick - Queenstown, New Zealand: 4 nights
Jackie - Dunedin, New Zealand: 2 nights
Tracy - Otaki, New Zealand: 1 night
Biddy - Gisborne, New Zealand: 3 nights
Louisa - Nadi, Fiji: 1 night
Iris - San Jose, Costa Rica: 1 night
Jonathan - San Jose, Costa Rica: 9 nights
Lisdey - Havana, Cuba: 2 nights
Angie - Havana, Cuba: 7 nights
Reynaldo - Managua, Nicaragua: 2 nights
Amanda & Keating - Seattle, USA: 7 nights
Dina - Petaluma, USA: 3 nights
Hosted:
Benjamin and Yohanna - Paris, France: 1 night
David - US: 1 night
Nick - McComb, US: 37 nights
Ed - Ireland: 1 night
Samantha - US: 2 nights
Kathrin - Germany: 1 night
Stefan and Enrico - Germany: 1 night
Alex - Las Vegas, US: 1 night
Elena - Minsk, Belarus: 2 nightsInterestsWhen I'm not traveling, I read up on possible places to visit next....and I also enjoy basketball, bicycling, and video games.
What I really love is writing poetry and stories about my travels. It's a great way to cherish the moment. Check out my blog
I'm an avid bicyclist and I plan to someday ride my bike across Australia, New Zealand, and throughout Europe.PhilosophyI live a rather simple life. I don't care about making millions of dollars; I'd rather just travel and be happy. I have no bills because I choose not to have any.Music, Movies, BooksBooks: Lonely Planet, any book related to travel or basketball.
Music: I love Australian country music! Also I like pop music; Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias; and oldies like the Beatles
Movies: You can count the number of movies I've seen on one hand, but I like the Little Mermaid, Great Mouse Detective, and Toy Story.Types of People I enjoyPeople who live to travel. Those that like to have a good conversation and agree with my philosophies and principles.
If you stay with me, I love people who like to tell me about their travel experience, and those who like to play a good video game.
Being a good cook is an advantage as I love sampling food from around the world.Teach, Learn, ShareThe best thing I can teach: It's not about having time or money to travel, but rather about making time and money to travel.
A really good thing I can teach is to take advantage of theraputic massages where they're inexpensive (like Thailand or Peru). Traveling can really take a toll on the body and that's how I rejuvinate!
I would like to learn how to take an entire trip staying with just fellow CSer's or locals.
When you travel, carry a fold up scooter or roller blades; you save heaps of money that you'd spend on taxis and buses. Hitchhiking is much safer than the media portrays; it's a great way to meet people and make new friends...and you save loads of money!
If you feel that you're overweight, traveling is the best way to burn it because you'll be doing A LOT of walking!
One Amazing Thing I've Seen or DoneThe single most amazing thing I've done on my travels is hitching the full length of New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Stewart Island, including hitching on boats across the Cook and Foveaux Straits.
Two mates and I sailed on a 7-metre yacht from the Coromandel Peninsula to Great Barrier Island, and then through the Hauraki Gulf to the Bay of Islands. Man, that was an incredible journey!
Favourite Countries:
1. New Zealand
2. Iceland
3. Australia
4. Peru
5. Fiji
6. Nicaragua
7. Niue
8. Cuba
9. United Kingdom
10. Tonga
Favourite Cities
1. Reykjavik, Iceland
2. Granada, Nicaragua
3. Cuzco, Peru
4. Arequipa, Peru
5. London, UK
6. Brisbane, Australia
7. Havana, Cuba
8. Whitianga, New Zealand
9. Sydney, Australia
10. Nuku'alofa, Tonga
All in all, I've seen and done many amazing things on my travels. The list is by no means all-inclusive
New Zealand: Skydiving, bungy-jumping, river-rafting, flying over the Sothern Alps
Australia: my first adventure, scaling the Sydney Harbour Bridge, flying in a seaplane, holding a koala, seeing Uluru and Kata Tjuta, floating down the flooded Todd River in the Alice
Iceland: walking on an icecap, driving from North America to Europe, visiting Greenland, whale-watching, seeing the beautiful bright-coloured buildings of Reykjavik
Peru: Walking the Inca Trail and seeing Machu Picchu, flying over the Nazca Lines, staying with a local family on Lake Titicaca, sandboarding, following part of Che's journey across the top of the Andes
Cuba: sleeping on the rooftops of Havana, salsa dancing, walking along the Malecon, sipping a mojito, smoking a cigar, riding in a 4-seater jeep filled with 9 people!
I'm a hitchhiker extraordinaire; hitched on a helicopter, salmon boat, limousine, and yacht in New Zealand, in a military truck in Cuba, on top of a car on Niue, on the back of a motorcycle and on top of a banana hoard in Nicaragua. I've even been picked up by Young Vivian, the former Premier while in Niue.
..and most of all, my big OE in New Zealand
Opinion on the CouchSurfing.org ProjectI really like the website, it's a great way to meet new people and if you stay with someone, you dont have to spend hundreds of dollars on hotels. With CouchSurfing I've made so many friends and had so many experiences that the ordinary traveller doesn't experience. 99.9% of people in this world are friendly, and CS emphasizes that!Locations TraveledTRAVELED: Peru, Germany, Tonga, Niue, Cuba, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Greenland, Iceland, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Fiji, United Kingdom, Belgium
LIVED: New Zealand, United States
WANTS TO GO: Norway, Antarctica, Egypt, India, Dominican Republic, Cook Islands, Sierra Leone, Bhutan, South Africa, Madagascar
IS GOING TO: Panama
References
From Pete Fowler Invercargill, New Zealand
Jul 19  Positive We've got a lot in common; we've both spent time in Iceland, and we both like travelling to remote islands. We look forward to meeting Chris next year,when he returns to this part of the world. He's working in LA right now.
From Dina Angress Petaluma, United States
May 5  Positive Chris and his girlfriend stayed with me for a day and a night. We had a very pleasant visit and I hope theu'll come back some day.
 From Kira Taylor McMurdo Station, Antarctica
Dec 31, 2009 Positive Chris was a lovely WWOOFer I met in NZ. He's a hard worker, and has a lot of interesting stories to tell, as well as a real passion for experiencing and learning new things. Really cool guy!  From Lenya Meissner Berlin, Germany
Dec 12, 2009 Positive Christopher was a very interesting travel companion and I enjoyed spending time with him. he is super funny and just a great person to know! We climbed the volcano concepcion in Isla Ometope, Nicaragua together, which was awesome.  From Silvia Priel Centro Habana, Cuba
Nov 8, 2009  Positive Gracias,por haber compartido con mi familia en la habana,,le celebro los 26 de mi hijo grande con un cake,, From Angie Priel Cerro, Cuba
Nov 7, 2009 Positive EL ESTUVO EN MI CASA Y COMPARTIO CONMIGO Y MI JOVEN FAMILIA,LA PASAMOS MUY BIEN,ES MUY AMISTOSO Y COMPARTIDOR.
HE STAY WITH US AND WE HAVE A GOOD TIME TOGETHER,HE IS VERY FRIENDLY AND VERY HONEST PERSON.THANKS A LOT,
From David Muñoz Compte Centro Habana, Cuba
Nov 2, 2009 Positive Chris is a special person full of spontaneity and enjoying to share his poetry with you. At the begining I was a little bit worried about him travelling alone, but then he was able to show me how well does he deal with everything.
See you soon again, man!!
 From Sara Pavan London, United Kingdom
Oct 10, 2009  Positive He is cool!!met him at Jonathan's at 4am he was sleeping (sorry for that) we woke him up and he was really cool we spend a nice time together! highly recommend  From Ed Ser An Muileann gCearr, Ireland (Republic of)
Oct 3, 2009 Positive hey, cheers for hosting , good luck on your travels, let us know if you head to ireland From fi & api's haven Nadi, Fiji
Aug 18, 2009 Positive I met Chris at Luisa's house briefly before boarding the flight to LA. He is a very cool guy. I hope to see him again on his 4th or 5th trip to Fiji. Take care!
 From Vonokula Buli Nadi, Fiji
Aug 18, 2009  Positive Chris stayed with us for one night before heading to LA.He is such a great friend with a lovely personality and yep he is very sharp and easy to get along with.Eventhough he was not here long but he has made a good friend relationship with everyone at home.Thanks for being our friend Chris,we will recommend you to everyone surfing your couch.
Take care and God Bless.  From Biddy Burt Gisborne, New Zealand
Aug 11, 2009 Positive Chris came to CS while I was sick on the couch, so he had the spare room. He was independent, very helpful and good company. I wish him well with his future adventures.  From MADTEAPARTIER Dunedin, New Zealand
Jul 31, 2009 Positive Chris is an open, friendly guy, with plenty of interesting travel stories to tell and poetry to read.
It was the first time either of us had encountered a fellow Aspie (person with Asperger's Syndrome) whilst taking part in Couchsurfing, which was also kind of cool, as well as being a big coincidence.
I found Chris to be a considerate, independent guest and would be happy to host him again. Happy Surfing, mate! (:
 From Mel Kakkar Gateshead, United Kingdom
Jun 29, 2009 Positive Chris is a great guy with a very good heart. It was lovely to meet someone who's so into travelling the CS way. Hopefully we'll see him again at some point in the future!  From Lorraine Turner Rotorua, New Zealand
Jun 8, 2009 Positive Chris spent two days with us, and got on well with the other c/surfers who were here. Nice young man with lots of stories to share.  From DAVID GOODMAN Bellingham, United States
May 3, 2009 Positive chris is an interesting guy with a knack for travel writing, and a very friendly personality.  From Tristan Schmurr Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Apr 28, 2009 Positive Chris is very nice and it was really interesting to spend some time with him, and he cycles everywhere!
Enjoy your pacific trip! From AMANDA 9 Seattle, United States
Mar 29, 2009 Positive Chris is a really interesting and nice guy. Once I got to know we had some great conversations. He has a good heart and really enjoys sharing his travel stories with the people around him.
 From Craig Smith Christchurch, New Zealand
Mar 27, 2009 Positive Chris has a heart of gold. When you understand Chris a little better than just in passing you'll grow to like him alot. He's a person who dives in head first and treats life like one big adventure. I found Chris more facinating and challenging than some other couch surfers I've hosted {which I loved}. Chris bought dinner and a few beers for the house one night which was much appreciated and I highly reccomend you host or be hosted by him. ps. I loved his poetry and I'm sure you will too. "Southerly" is my favourite.  From AnthonyNZ Christchurch, New Zealand
Mar 27, 2009 Positive Once you warm to Chris you will find him an interesting guy, a well seasoned traveler...good luck with your travels mate!  From Jay Shulamith Wellington, New Zealand
Mar 14, 2009 Positive A really nice guy! Great travel stories :D  From Steven Heath Wellington, New Zealand
Oct 23, 2008 Positive Chris stayed for 3 days. He is keen to travel by 'different' methods including trying to 'hitch' to the South Island via a yacht :-)  From BOGDANB Brussels, Belgium
Mar 20, 2008 Positive Chris is an adventurer. He's laid back, relaxed and with strong personality. He's bicycle is a wonder as all his trips that he did to this early age. Though I was sick the days I hosted him and another pal, I had a good impression about Chris and I wish I can meet him once in California.  From Felix Lama Lima, Peru
Feb 20, 2008 Positive Tube la oportunidad de conocelo y alojarlo en mi casa y la pasamos bien si tienes la oportunidad de conocerlo conocelo te aseguro que la pasaras bien suerte amigo |
Postcard Club
