General Information
Languages- English (United States)Expert
- Spanish (Argentina)Beginner
- TurkishExpert
Groups I Belong ToCouch Information
Couch Available: Maybe Preferred Gender: Any Max Surfers Per Night: 2
Shared Sleeping Surface: Depends Shared Room: DependsGuest rooms and couches. Feel free to ask questions. It's big and red and round! Friends (66)
Jill Niemann 28, Female San Francisco, California United States Friends since June 2008 "Local Surfers uniting at the lovely red room" Friendship Type: Best Friend I vouched for Gabriel Stempinski
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CS Underground 38, Several people San Francisco, California United States Friends since July 2008 "CS Underground Meetings!" Friendship Type: CouchSurfing Friend
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MEGAN LYNNE 25, Female Chevy Chase, Maryland United States Friends since April 2002 "I met Gabe back when I was in high school. He was my prom date!!" Friendship Type: Good Friend
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Carmen Schwenk 20, Female Mahomet, Illinois United States Friends since August 2008 "BURNING MAN couch surfing camp 2008" Friendship Type: Best Friend
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Kyle Schwenk 25, Male Salt Lake City, Utah United States Friends since August 2008 "Met at where else, but Burning Man CSC 2008" Friendship Type: Friend
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Anna Serrano Subirats 23, Female Girona, Catalonia Spain Friends since July 2008 "he's going to be my first host of C.S ever!!!" Friendship Type: Close Friend
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Wandering Walker 27, Male San Francisco, California United States Friends since June 2008 "Fate, Fortune and a Fantastic Party he threw in SF" Friendship Type: Best Friend I vouched for Gabriel Stempinski
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Patt Gilmore 102, Female Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires City Argentina Friends since March 2008 "He visited BA for his work and will be coming back many times" Friendship Type: Good Friend I vouched for Gabriel Stempinski
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CHOCOLATE ECLAIR 29, Female Edinburgh, Scotland United Kingdom Friends since August 2008 "CS camp at Burning Man 08" Friendship Type: Friend
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Caleb Edgar 33, Male Portland, Oregon United States Friends since August 2008 "Partied at Burning Man with the CS Camp" Friendship Type: Acquaintance
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Personal DescriptionWhen traveling I always rent the convertible
I say what I mean
I know that being stabbed hurts worse than being shot
I sing in a band (we're pretty mediocre so don't be too impressed)
I never get to the point where I'm no fun anymore
I have a top secret security clearance
I don't have any prison tattoos
I can see the magic eye pictures every time
I can navigate the streets of all the major cities of America
I used to teach part time
I smile a lot
I never run out of toilet paper
I love road trips
I know some Farsi
I have an awesome sense of direction
I've never been convicted of a felony
I'm a published author
I know which came first, chicken or egg
I can be your bodyguard if you can be my long lost pal
I've never spent more than 24 hours in jail
I'm only crazy in the good way
I rarely consider most problems to be worth arguing about
I never miss the toilet when I pee
I love LA
I have never caused a structure fire
I don't have "baby momma" drama
I didn't vote for Bush
I'm not on any sex offender registries
I'm not afraid of the dark
I never feed the animals at the zoo
I hiked across Death Valley
I can ride a motorcycle
I can dance
I've never killed a man just to watch him die
I tell the best ghost stories
I mean what I say
I keep the drunk dials to a minimum
I have my own business
I have a passport
I don't get upset over things I can't control
I love Bruce Campbell
I'm not a complainer
I don't snore
I don't hold grudges
I can speak in public
I'm a Libra
I played the lead in my 4th grade class play "Tom Sawyer"
I keep a few tampons in my glove box for those unexpected emergencies
I have my ears pierced
I have a million stories for every occasion
I call before I come over
I've never needed an intervention
In the event of a zombie attack there is probably nobody on earth that could protect you better than me.
I shower before coming home from the gym
I never have gasoline fights
I know how to synch The Dark Side of the Moon with The Wizard of Oz
I don't play golf
I don't have toe fungus
I can ski
I'm not moody
I take care of my nails
I make a fierce margarita
I haven't been sick since 1992
I have a great story for every scar I have
How I Participate in CSI love to throw parties and socialize with all the CS folks I meet. I try to be as gracious a host as humanly possible.
CouchSurfing ExperienceI lived on my own for my last year of High School (family problems) so I was a professional couch surfer then!!
Since then I've had some awesome guests (read the references below) and attended many amazing events including a few I've thrown myself. InterestsMovies, Stories, Photography, Travel, and mostly Adventure!!PhilosophySelf determination can break through any barrier.
Music, Movies, BooksI have pretty ecclectic tastes. I'm a sucker for horror movies/books though.
Music: Easy Star All Stars, Ben harper, Robert Johnson, Sarah Brightman, Eryka Badu, Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Bruce Springsteen, Prince etc...Types of People I enjoyI enjoy people that are motivated and have ambition to do something great with their life. I like people that aren't afraid to go on a random adventure.
However now that I think about it. I wouldn't mind meeting someone that was more "anti-establishment" so we could exchange views and learn how "the other half lives".
Teach, Learn, ShareTeach:
I love argumentation and public speaking. I used to coach/teach part time and I would love to discuss any issues or topics. I'm always a fan of intellectual exchange.
I'm also a great "poor man's chef" I can make great meals with whatever is just laying around.
But most importantly I can teach you how to shop and set up for a massive party in just under 4 hours.
Learn:
I've got a thirst for information that never feels quenched. I love learning new things. In fact it's pretty much a guarantee that my guests will spend the first night with me getting peppered with questions about their culture, experiences and opinions on various topics.
Share:
I like to share my personal experiences and adventures with others so that hopefully they can glean something inspiring or useful from them.
One Amazing Thing I've Seen or DoneI once saved the lives of a couple that were in a horrible car accident on SR-395 here in California. That is unquestionably the most amazing thing I've ever done.Locations TraveledTRAVELED: Afghanistan, Argentina, Bahrain, Bodies of water, Canada, Greece, Italy, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom LIVED: United States WANTS TO GO: Australia, India IS GOING TO: Turkey References
From Maria Carmela Marino Rome, Italy Jan 23 Positive I attended a party at Gabriel's simply beautiful place on my first evening in San Francisco and he was a very welcoming host: nice people, lots of good food and drinks, a splendid view of the city, his friendly conversation... Just sorry we couldn't hang out together the day after!
From Baltasar Estrada Costa Mesa, United States Jan 21 Positive Met Gabriel at Taco Tuesday and although we only spoke for a few minutes I can tell that Gabriel is an amazing person. He is very outgoing and open. I was very impressed with the work he has done to further the couch surfing project. I hope to be able to spend more time in the future with Gabriel
From Alessandro C. Torino, Italy Oct 4, 2008 Positive Although we just were together briefly and that morning I didn't realize he was going away, it is quite easy to see and understand that what Gabe writes about himself on his profile is very true. I really liked his attitude, his way tot ell things, and not to care what others may or may not think. That's what every good burner should do!!! What else to say... his place is simply AMAZING and every surfer should surf it sooner or later in life. Generous, easygoing... and that's all I can say, by now.
From PINKFISH San Francisco, United States Sep 22, 2008 Positive Gabriel is this open-minded, generous, care-taking, flexible, beautiful person with a very kind spirit. He has an interesting life style, has created a wonderful home in SF (and am sure his other places are great too) and makes you feel welcome and appreciated right away.
From Lea Hanson Fargo, United States Sep 15, 2008 yay yer sooooo devilish
From BLAKESWORLD Keego Harbor, United States Sep 5, 2008 Positive devil man with the infectious spirit and contagious smile...walked down the wild side of the Playa...saw the LIGHT in the dark.
stay beautiful.
From IRISHPOLYGLOT Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Sep 4, 2008 Positive At first Gabriel was just annoying me by squiring my book as I was trying to read :-P But later in the week of Burning Man I could see that he and I share some common interests and I wish we could have chatted a little more! A cool and fun and funny guy!!
From Adriano_Velloso Lisle, United States Sep 2, 2008 Positive Met Gabriel during our stay at Couch Surfing Camp (BRC 2008). Found out he has the same interests in life as I do, as well as many coincidences as far as places we lived and "energy related interests" we both share. This is one person I expect to learn from, in every sense. If we had more "Gabriels" in the world we could make it a better place!!
Cheers!
From Carmen Schwenk Mahomet, United States Sep 2, 2008 Positive Spending time with Gabriel is ultimate satisfaction. I was privileged to have met him in Black Rock City. We lounged during the day and partied at night - caught a glimpse of the sun rise by a fire too. Hands down Gabe is spontaneous, energetic, and beautiful. His generosity echos across the oceans and I absolutely cannot wait till our paths cross again.
From Caleb Edgar Portland, United States Sep 2, 2008 Positive Kicked around with Gabe at the burn in 2008. A cool guy, loads of fun, with a lot to say.
From Cecilia Ruth Monte Grande, Argentina Jul 28, 2008 Positive Gabe, Big boy! He is all smiles!!
We spent some time together around Bs As, eating, talking, walking, shopping, drinkind and laughing!! He is a really passionate person, easy going and funny. Hope to see you around here soon!
From Lance Gomez San Diego, United States Jul 27, 2008 Positive Gabe is gold. Generous, inspirational, revolutionary.
From Christina Ramon Arvika, Sweden Jul 27, 2008 Positive Gabe = seriously generous, lots of fun, terrific stories, and tons of positive energy.
From Rocky-jingo Dingo San Francisco, United States Jul 27, 2008 Positive Gabe is one of those guys that you meet once, but you've felt you've known a lifetime. Kind and warm-hearted, I look forward to seeing him moreso in the future. And he's gonna be closer to the Bay soon, so hopefully that means more encounters with him!
From Caitanya Min San Francisco, United States Jul 27, 2008 Positive let's face it: gabe is famous. I had heard about him from everyone before i met him. The moment of truth finally came at a telecommuting gathering he hosted. What a giving and gracious person! And what a bonding experience when i learned he also lives in clarendon, northern virginia!
Of course, i have yet to experience one of his parties! That WILL happen ...
From Ken Ross London, United Kingdom Jul 25, 2008 Positive With hosts like Gabe in the CouchSurfing Project it makes my job of telling others about CouchSurfing REALLY easy. Gabe helped me out despite being heavily booked when I was stranded in San Francisco.
From MEDIEVALKNIGHT56 Tuckasegee, United States Jul 25, 2008 Positive Gabe helped me with setting up CS gatherings. He's an incredible resource for knowledge and ideas!
From Cynthia Jonasson San Francisco, United States Jul 23, 2008 Positive Gabe is the life of the party and does whatever he can to make sure his guests have an amazing time! But beyond all the parties, I am fortunate enough to have experience a laid back weekend of camping and fishing where he taught me the art of ordering In N Out like a local, how to fish off a tree branch and even lent me his clothes so I could swim in the inviting water. He's always smiling and coming up with grandios schemes and I look forward to enjoying life w/ him in the future.
From JANINAPANINI Aachen, Germany Jul 8, 2008 Positive I don´t have words for this. Anything I say is an underestimation about how incredible every moment felt that I spent at Gabriels place. Anything seemed so easy. Gabriel truly has the sense for the right timing. He planned and set up his party after lunch. We had some great conversations and I can say he is someone who cares. Thank you. I will never forget.
From LEESK Monterey, United States Jul 8, 2008 Positive Amazing guy, amazing party! Without doubt, Gabe is one of the most fun and generous host I have ever met. One can’t ask for a better introduction to a CS community. Too bad I had to leave early to get back to DC, makes you wish you were San Franciscan.
From Dan Nazarian San Francisco, United States Jul 7, 2008 Positive I don't think anyone would disagree with me that Gabe is a larger-than-life character and an awesome part of the CS community. Generous. Fun. Congenial. Well-traveled. Multi-lingual and multi-talented. He is seriously a very positive and open person and I'm really inspired by how he likes to share all the good things in his life with everyone around him. Meet him as soon as you can.
From Slightly Delightful San Francisco, United States Jul 7, 2008 Positive Gabe's a generous and caring individual that anyone would be lucky to meet/host/surf with. He is all-around awesome and throws the best parties.
I look forward to hanging out again and getting to know him better. :)
From Alice Bogner Vienna, Austria Jul 6, 2008 Positive Gabriel is awesome! He hosted me on very short notice over the 4th of July, and also threw and amazing party in his apartment. It was a pleasure helping him with the preparation and cleaning up! The party was incredible, Gabe's the best host, it was simply amazing, it is hard to put it in words! The weekend I spent at his place, together with Walker, Janina, Cynthia and a bunch of other great people was the best time
I had on my travels!
From Ben Yaffe San Francisco, United States Jul 5, 2008 Positive The consummate host with a superb apartment. I went to his July 4 party but unfortunately only got to chat with him for a minute.
From Ryan Boyle Bangkok, Thailand Jul 5, 2008 Positive I have so far crossed paths with Gabe three times in the past month. Buenos Aires, San Francisco, and this evening we were both at SFO headed to Washington DC. The dude has class and style and is a great new addition to the CS community. I am glad to know I am not the only CSer who travels good luggage. Will be seeing him here and there, and rocking whatever country we cross paths in like no others!
Update July 08' Ok... So I like to throw random parties in random cities. It's just cool Mr. Gabe decided to throw a CS party for the fourth (Taking the burden off me :) Anyway I came over from EU to attend, and well... The dude is a badass host. I can't get into detail cause I am still drunk/hungover.. But the man knows how to entertain, and take the best of care for his guests! Well worth the long flight!
From -mystic- San Francisco, United States Jul 5, 2008 Positive What a bitchin' good time people can have with this guy. He hosted a CS party in his place, we cleaned up for him afterwards...and he feeds us all. I am a man of my word...Gabe...my new friend...three vodka bottles it is! :)
From Alexandra Liss New York, United States Jun 27, 2008 Positive He is the Ambassador of San Francisco if I've ever seen one! The host with the Most...Threw an epic party at his 1900 sq ft loft with massage therapist, karaoke video band set-up, fillet mignion!?!?! bartender and servers. Hospitality is this dudes middle name. Not to mention he has seen the Notebook. Can one CSer get any better than Gabe? I think not.
From Jennifer Chang San Francisco, United States Jun 24, 2008 Positive Gabe came to "work" with us with a bright smile at the first CS Cafe Telecommute Day. The following night I stopped by his SF Local Surfing party, but it was so much fun that I ended up staying till 4am! He was a gracious host and made sure everyone was having a good time ("food? beverage? massage?"). Gabe must be the most popular guy in town since ;) Gabe, looking forward to seeing you again at the telecommute and getting to know you better.
From Jill Niemann San Francisco, United States Jun 23, 2008 Positive Gabriel's name should be OPTIMISM. :) I adore his 'everything is possible' charisma and fabulous attitude. He brings great energy with a contagious smile into each setting. I personally have trouble not wanting to be around him...all the time!
From Wandering Walker San Francisco, United States Jun 22, 2008 Positive What words can really describe Gabe?? "The Man with a lot of Meat" is one good set of words. Look up "Badassery" in the dictionary and there would be Gabe's picture with a lot of words trying to do him justice. Simply put, he is the #1 number on Chuck Norris' speed-dial. 'Nuf said.
Gabe not only took a ton of initiative to get the Local-surfing phenomena off the ground, he made it one of the most memorable parties anyone in attendance will every attend. Supreme Kudos!
Now grab your rod, we're going fishing!!
** July** So, since they removed the "Extremely Positive" choice from the reference section I submitted an application requesting a new category for Am-badass-ador, immediately followed by an application to make Gabe the first Global in the category!!
Gabe is by far the most generous human in existence, helping me in more ways than I can count. My life is exponentially better for knowing him and I would do anything for him, as I consider him both a friend and Brother!
From CALIFORNIAMAN South San Francisco, United States Jun 21, 2008 Positive Gabe is awesome and fun to be with and gives the most amazaing parties complete with 3 bartenders and a masseuse. I invited Gabe to come by and stay at my Beijing apartment and watch the Olympics.
From BONNIECLYDE San Francisco, United States Jun 21, 2008 Positive Gabe gave a great party! He is an awesome host!!! This guy is thoughtful and considerate.
From Princess Rachelina San Francisco, United States Jun 21, 2008 Positive Gabriel blew in like a whirlwind and charmed us all. He is a free spirit, and quite generous. I look forward to spending more time with him....looking forward to that horse back ride:) and our fancy cs gala. something tells me i should have his life, or at very least, a slice of it. more good times to come! nice to finally meet you:)
update: 6/21/08 gabriel threw us the best sf party ever! he has three bartenders and a masseuse! I am still in shock at how amazing a party he threw! he deserves my vouch, and a trophy or something:)
From Zach Cohen San Francisco, United States Jun 21, 2008 Positive I met Gabe at a CS party he threw in his San Francisco home, which was easily one of the best parties I've ever been to. More than how nice his apartment is, or how rockin a party he throws, I was struck by his incredible generosity and openness. He went so far out of his way, at I'm sure great personal expense, to ensure his party guests (a ton of them) had an amazing time. At one point, one of his guests was struck by a sudden allergic reaction, and Gabe drove 30 minutes out of his way to take her home where she could recover. He is a perfect example of the CS spirit. Gabe's also funny, intelligent, and interesting. If you want to have a great time in San Francisco, or anywhere, check out this guy.
From Sonya G Berkeley, United States Jun 20, 2008 Positive gabe is great! and i've only known him a day. we so diligently co-worked together in a cafe in SF on a very warm afternoon. i look forward to spending more time with him and fellow diligent CSers. (i won't tell the boss about the drinking!) he so very graciously offered up his home for a party location tomorrow night. CS experience with him to be continued... :)
updated: gabe threw an amazing SF party!! one i'll never forget. he is a host who will go out of his way to welcome and take care of everyone. thank you so much!
From Menelaos Prokos Buenos Aires, Argentina Jun 19, 2008 Positive First time I met Gabe, I didn't have a chance to get to know him properly, but luckily for me and the rest of us, he pops down to BsAs quite often.
He's got a warm and generous soul and simply loves to share himself and his time with the people around him.
A truly trustworthy man who you should contact anytime for a couch or simply good company.
From Maxi Lennard Buenos Aires, Argentina Jun 9, 2008 Positive Gaby is one of the greatest guy i`ve ever met. He want to share everything he has, a beer, a trip, a smile, a hug. It`s not easy to find out great people like him. He has this big aura around him that makes every place better and happier! We will see each other during his visits down here for sure! Always more than welcome!
From May Sanguannuan Bangkok, Thailand Apr 17, 2008 Positive Gab gave me every kind of things a perfect host can give:), except having me surf his couch which i regret until today!!He introduces me to one of the most site in SF I've ever seen that completed my passions abt this town!!providing the kitchen for me to cook..and the coolest thing is..HE IS A WALKING GURU...he becomes another reasons I wanna come to this town more often..I only hope i can do the same thing he did for me if he happen to be in BKK:)Gab, u just climb up my chart, handsome:P
From Sarunas Daunoras El Cerrito (Contra Costa), United States Apr 7, 2008 Positive I met Gabriel at the hotel party in San Francisco, and have nothing but positive to say about this guy.
He is young, but very intelligent and knows a lot about everything. You will learn something just by listening him talk.
I recommend meeting him for everyone who wants to hear interesting stories from all around and/or have a good party.
From Richard Vaughn San Francisco, United States Apr 7, 2008 Positive I met Gabriel at a CS party in SF. He's an intelligent and- I sense- ambitious guy who's interesting to talk to and a lot of fun to drink with. He's got great stories from all over the world.
You missed a great time clubbing til breakfast after that party! Next time.
From Patt Gilmore Buenos Aires, Argentina Mar 22, 2008 Positive Gabriel is a sweetheart. He is so easy to be relaxed around. Inquisitive, funny, generous and a bright star. I am really happy we met up and could share mate and good times. He was my first surfer and I his first host and it was a great experience. I am still working on the evil alfajores.
From Silkkat813 Weehawken, United States Aug 28, 2007 Positive Gabriel and I used to hang out when we both lived in Virginia Beach. He always had some great stories. We haven't seen much of each other since we both started to travel more, but we have stayed in touch.
*update* He was a great host when I went to SF in June. The bed was very comfortable. He took some time to show me around the city one day. We went to SF Pride and had a fabulous time. He has a very curious cat that fetches rubber bands! I'm happy that Gabriel has joined CS because he has a great place for hosting.
From João Martins Lisbon, Portugal May 9, 2007 Positive Our experience was fantastic. Gabe and Star welcomed us pretty well, and they are very nice people. They were very good hosts, not only helping us on what to see, but also going out with us and showing the city (By the way S.Francisco is beautiful). We had a lot of fun with them. I really hope they can come to Portugal, so we can show them our country, in particulary Lisbon.
We got ourselfs some american friends.
From Emilie Alric Toulouse, France May 4, 2007 Positive Gabriel was a wonderful host! He cooked for us a tasty salted-sweeted dish :) ; open mind and available, we shared great moments together talking about all kind of topics. Excellent and friendly host.
From MEGAN LYNNE Chevy Chase, United States May 4, 2007 Positive Gabe is such a wonderful guy - how excited I am that he found me on CS! I will have to visit the West Coast now! He's always got a place right outside of DC if he needs it. :) Let me know how you are!!
From Ben Domingue Boulder, United States Apr 26, 2007 Positive One hell of a host...
Super clean place, friendly people: definitely incentive to continue couchsurfing. As the first guy on his couch, I hope it was as good for him as it was for me.
From Carl Bélanger Montreal, Canada Apr 25, 2007 Positive Awesome host! We we're received as we could have expected from top Hotels! Couldn't be placed better to visit the wonderful town of San Francisco! Gabe and his girlfriend Star are really interesting people and we enjoyed the evening that we went out with them! Thanks! |