Gerard Bosman

i surfed gerards couch in rotterdam. gerard is an amazing nice and sympathic host! it was an superb experience! he showed me the most beautifull parts of den haag, delft,... if you go to him, dont hire a guide, cause he 's a thousand times better!!! thanks for the superb vacation and the nice talkings!!! i 'd recommend him to anybody who would like to go to rotterdam!!! thanks again!!

Gerard hosted me for 2 days. He was very kind with me from the start.He cooked for me the first night. Gerard is a really funny and good guide. We where together visiting The Hague and he told me so many funny things about Netherlands and it story. I can recommend Gerard to everyone.

It's always nice when Gerard is around, so positive, smiling, enthousiastic and helpful. You just have to check the postings in the Rotterdam group to notice his hospitality and to see how helpfull he is. See you, Gerard.

Nice stay, nice bed, nice chat and nice food. Can you ask for more?

 

For although there was no minataur in the laberyinth, or at least I never found the beast, there were still many hazards - smoking pools of brine, cold deluges, and firey furnaces. Without a thread, certainy without a stitch, to help retrace my steps, I could have been forever lost without Gerald as my guide.

I stayed with Gerald for two nights, and we took the gross indulgance of visiting two saunas. Gerald delights in all that is liberal in Dutch culture. Perhaps reading "The Shackled Continent" by Richard Guest would help to expand his liberalness to encompass less fortunate places.

 

Gerald was a welcoming and enthusiastic host. From day one he was happy to tell me everything about the Netherlands, and for the next week and a half he took the time to share many "typically Dutch" experiences with me. He is also open to suggestions from his guests on places to go. I couldn't thank him enough for his hospitality, especially for the extended time that he let me stay.

Watch out if you try to set the table, the silverware drawer is tricky!

I had my first couchsurfing experience with gerard he is an absolute gentleman, a perfect host he accomdated myself and 2 other couchsurfers and really looked after and entertained us,i really enjoyed the pleasure of his company,thanks gerard

Gerard was one of the 2 people who replied on my very last minute couch request in an emergency group and saved me from sleeping out on the street by hosting me for 2 nights. He was very welcoming, told many stories about Netherlands and it's culture, prepared dinner, lunch and breakfast every day and took his other couchsurfer and me to the radio-station where he has a show and to the nice student city of Delft. Staying with him was very pleasant and nice experience.

Gerard was my first ever host from Couchsurf, and was by far one of the warmest people I have met! He taught me alot about the Netherlands that I didnt know previously, even though I had visited 3 times before. We spoke alot about Dutch laws, freedoms, and people in general and I felt that my time in the Netherlands this time was a lot more fruitful and cultural. I was pretty nervous to be travelling all the way from the U.K. by car to the Netherlands and staying with someone I didnt know, but as soon as I knocked on the door and Gerard opened I was immediately made to feel welcome and at ease! :)

In all, Gerard is a fantastic host that clearly loves and knows alot about the Netherlands!

Thank you! :D

Tom.

Gerard is very wonderful man,,he teach me a lot of things about dutch culture,,give me some dutch cookie,,although i was fasting but he always try to give the best for me,,give me everything delicious in the evening,,cooking together,watch movie together,,he brought me to some city in netherland and told me about the history,he is very smart,,gerard is real couchsurfer,he always try to give the best and satisfy to his guest,,hope can stay again in netherland someday when i'm not fasting,hehe,,,i have very amazing time when i was there,,we have very nice time together,,word for gerard,,thank a lot for everything,,i'm very happy to know u,,u're great man,,

socialising guy, who cares for details. has got a huge knowledge of the Netherlands & will share it with every guest.

 

Gerard was my first couch surfing host and he made me feel settled and at home right away. He is a very friendly and interesting man and im so glad we got to meet. We went to a couchsurfing meeting in Rotterdam and i enjoyed learning how he made his radio show. Thankyou


I stayed for another two days at the end of my trip and again Gerard was a great guy. He showed us around and fed me well. Such a nice man.
Thanks

Gerard is a very nice and organised person. In my opinion he may be an example for other couchsurfers. He host all group of my friends (4 people although he had written in his profile that he can host only 2 people) and show us many interesting places like Hague, Delft and Rotterdam. What is more he told us about Dutch culture, life, politics, schools, cuisine and many others topics. Thanks to him I got know many important and essential tips about couchsurfing. He is really great cs Ambassador.

Gerard is really nice and hospitable man. He hosted me and my friends, showed us around Rotterdam, Hague and Detft. Thans to him I knew dutch culture.
Hopefully see you again! Thanks.

Gerard is a great person!
We were in trouble without any place to stay in Rotterdam, and he send us an e-mail offering his place to stay. We stayed there only one night, but we experienced a lot of Dutch hospitality, had a great talk, and received much useful advices.
Gerard is helpful, enthusiastic, very smart person, which is great to know. I'm very grateful that he helped us in the last-minute situation.
Not much people so much willing to help.

Wish you all the best!

Gerard is very friendly and extremely hospitable host. He picked us up at the railway station, guided us around The Hague, Delft and Rotterdam. His knowledge concerning the cities we visted was great. He told us many interesting ideas, hints and tips concerning traveling, everyday life and Couchsurfing. Hope we will meet again. All the best Gerard!

Mr Bosman is a very nice and warm gentleman.He shows me some special aspect of Rotterdam.Want to say thank you to him again.

We had a great time with Gerald. He has shown us a lot of intersting things and gave us tips where we can see something interesting.

Gerard is a wonderful host; kind, generous, friendly, and great for a chat. He was on holiday from work, and actually took me around Zuid-Holland for a day to show me all the things "typically dutch" - the windmills of Kinderdijk, Jonge Jenever, Kroket, the incredibly relaxing Thermin (a real new experience!), and of course "how the Dutch deal with the water"!
I had a great time with Gerard, and would love to visit him again sometime. If you ever get to Melbourne, give me a call!

Gerard is positive, polite and very friendly. He joined us on a walking tour over Madrid this Summer, when his flight had a stopover in town.

Gerard is a very kind person, he hosted me for 2 nights and was willing to spend lots of time with me, showing me the area and explaining about the dutch culture. thank you!

I'm sorry it took me so long to leave you a reference!

This was my first couchsurfing experience and if everybody hosted as well as Gerrard this would be a world-wide phenomenon. You have a free place to sleep, he cooks for you, he shows you around, what more could you ask for?

Awesome host!

Gerard is my first host. How come my first host could be so nice? I must have a very good luck! He feed me lots of food and show me around many places. He also taught me how to hitchhike. Thank you so much, Gerard.

This was my first couchsurfing experience (as a surfer) and it was very positive! Gerard is a friendly, open-minded and talkative guy. We dropped at his couch just for one night and had some nice talks, dutch drinks and meal. Thanks a lot, Gerard!

If only I could put Very Positive, because I've enjoyed every bit of my stay with Gerard. He's a very enthusiastic host who takes time and puts a lot of effort into hosting and showing his guests around. I feel very lucky to have spent my time in the Netherlands in his company. I hope to visit him again when I return to country. I highly recommend active, bubbly and enthusiastic travels who're thinking of visiting Amsterdam to contact this very friendly and generous host. Thanks again Gerard.

Gerard (G= "R" in Dutch!) is a very warm and welcoming person, really kind to host in a proper way, very organized (maybe too much!? :) My visit was quite quick, but good!

 

Gerard was kind enough to respond to my Emergency Request. I had no other option and decided to take the night train to Rottedam. I am glad I did. Gerard is an excellent host who took the time out of his Saturday to show me around The Hague and tell me many important facts and pieces of history. He's great at pointing out things that are "really Dutch." It was a pleasure spending time with him. We'll make that sauna happen!

Gerard's hospitality was immeasurable. He made us traditional Dutch breakfasts, which were delicious, and he also showed us around The Hague, Scheveningen, and Delft. He told us about the history of the cities, and was very kind. Most definitely a recommended host!

Had a very pleasant stay at his house. Unfortunately I bought my ticket back before the journey, so he couldn't show me around, because we both had plans during my stay there. He showed me the radiostation where he records weekly shows, and yeah had a good time there and I might go back some time.

I met Gerard at one of the first CS meetings in Rotterdam I attended to. His enthousiasm and dedication is simply infectious and what I really like about him is his true interest in everybody around him.

 

Gerard is a wonderful person to stay with! He completely spoiled Aaron and I with taking us to The Hague and the beach! We had dutch meals, he was filled with information and interesting to sit and chat with. Chocolate sprinkles for breakfast was so neat hehe! I will miss his loud laugh! Would love to have tea and visit when I return one day! *Huggles*

This was my First CS experience, and let me just say that Gerard made it an Amazing one. He is so full of useful information and gladly shares it. I consider myself quite spoiled by Gerard, with the sight seeing, Dutch foods and his overwhelming hospitality, without I would have never seen the sights I did. Thank you so much

Gerard hosted me and my friends for two nights. He was a very nice host, he knows everything about places around his home and it is really interesting to talk with him. He made us discover The Haag and told us a lot of stories about its history. We felt really comfortable in his home, he made us some very good typical dutch dishes. It was my first CS experience, and it was a very good one!
Thank you Gerard!

Gerard is a very helpful and good-hearted person. Hes knowledgeable and truly lives the cs spirit. I m sure we are gonna meet again at one of the meetings.

this was my first couchsurfing experience, it was a very comfortable stay with a very helpful host, his greeting was actually warmer than my welcome home...very kind and well read man, i will definately go back to see gerard, and would recomend him to anyone...and vla, is indeed custard, dont let him tell you otherwise!! ;)

Gerard is so peaceful and he is also a human encyclopedy, he give me a free tour of the city around. trust him!!!

I enjoyed my stay very much with Gerard. He made me feel very welcome in his home...enjoyed the conversations, the food and the galleries!!

I'm sorry it took me sooo long i didn't have a computer Gerard is great he hosted us in a really short notice and was a wonderful host
thank you soo very much

Gerard made such a lot of nice things for me. He was so nice and we spent a lot of time out of hist city and visited such beautiful cities like Den Haag, Delft and near Hoek van Holland. Gerard is very friendly guy, so don't be afraid if he write you message first =) His couch is very exotic(I mean in spending time). I'll generally trust him and it would be really nice to meet him more time.
P.S. His meals are good too ! Don't miss his request =)

I had a nice home meal in a warm house.
Thanks for your ideas and helps !!!

See you in my next home.
Lucas

We had a relaxing expierince during the cs meeting.

Gerard's a young mind & gentle man who definitely has the CS spirit. Glad to have him as first ever experience in CS. He kindly offered me a "last minute" couch in his nice house. He has a lot to teach about Dutch culture, told me bunch of stories about his travel experiences and so...interested to learn from others as well. Plus I experienced a typical Dutch breakfast which was just succulent! I'll contact you if I happen to explore The NL once again.

I'm very happy to met Gerard, he knows a lot of things bout his country and he's a perfect guide. When I wrote him a message I never thought we'd ended in The Hague over the sea :) We went round R'dam, had dinner at his place and we met other guys at couchsurfin meeting. I hope to see him again next time I'll go to R'dam.

Gerard is a host I highly recommend. He knows a lot about Rotterdam and Holland. He always does all he can to please his guest. The room is also very confortable and I could taste some typical dutch food( quite good also).

I stayed with gerard for 5 wonderful days! his "couch" is amazingly comfortable! he is willing to help you with what ever you may need. And knows a ton about dutch culture and was a great host! Thanks again Gerard! you made Rotterdam an awesome experience! Strauss Western

(oh and his macaroni is amazing!)

I met Gerard at the Sinterklaas meeting weekend in Rotterdam on several sub-meetings. So we got ocaasionally stuck in a good conversation. He offered to show me around to some interesting but non-tourist places in South-Holland which I pretty much will do soon and appreciate his passion for this whole couchsurfing thing therefore. A true inspiring and helpful surfer!! Cheers.

 

Surfed his couch during the Sinterklaas 2008, organised, welcoming. Gerard is someone you can trust.

Gerard helped us as we were looking for a place to stay around Rotterdam, at the last minute. We had a great time with him, he has good stories to tell you about travels and his country. I'm sad we didn't have time to visit it with him.
I'd definitely recommend him, and he makes great breakfast !!
;-)

the best welkomen i never had in rotterdam
francois

 

Well what do I say about Gerard? He told me he would pick me up at the train station at 10, and he picked me up exactly at 10. Not 9:59, not 10:01. Before he took me back to his place, he took me to the radio station where he volunteers for a 2 hour morning show. I had no idea what he was saying, but it was cool. Then he took me back to his very clean, very organized, very interesting home. It's one of those places where you can just walk around looking at the walls and random things he has, which I did. He had a bed (with a tanning bed attachment) ready for me with clean sheets and instructions for the wireless connection!! We sat in his living room and right away he offered me a beer. Gerard is very easy to talk to and is loaded with information and facts about the surrounding area. He took me to the Hague and showed me the beach as well. Gerard is an absolutely amazing host. Such a great guy!! He'll pay complete attention to you, and he's the perfect host.

Where to even begin from.
Gerard welcomed us, just a couple of minutes after we met.
We just arrived in Rotterdam, without knowing anything, or having a place to stay.
Our time together was really amusing. He cooked for us, and took us to little trips. He is a very,very pleasant host, a young and jolly spirit.
Nothing but the very best words, for Gerard.

We advise, if you can, to definitely surf Gerard's couch.

Thanks a million, nogmaals :)

See you soon , dinner at our place.

Milos & Igor

Hosted me after I posted a last-minute request on the Rotterdam forum. We didn't get to know each other though, as I was just there for a very brief time. But thanks for the accomodation.

i met him in rotterdam, he was very kind and friendly. We had a short walk in rotterdam and spent the night in a very nice restaurant. I strongly advice everybody to meet this gentleman in rotterdam. Rotterdam is more beatiful with gerard.

 

I was happy to meet Gerard at the CS Rotterdam meeting. So many things to talk about - scuba diving, our travels, education, dykes and sluices - Dutch engineering, and even wadlopen! Gerard was very surprised that I was planning on doing that in Texel. It was great fun! Gerard seems very energetic and enthusiastic. Perhaps in our travels our paths will cross again.

I was told at the last minute that I couldn't stay with a friend in Amsterdam and Gerard came to the rescue. Thanks to the cancellation I was able to meet Gerard and get an insight into both his life and the way that the Netherlands really works away from the lights and rush of Amsterdam. We went second hand shopping, tea drinking, radio show recording, to a couchsurfing meet, to dinner and gave English lessons. A very good two days with a kind man who never stops learning and teaching. Definitely stay with Gerard on your travels!

I met Gerard during his trip in Manaus, he is a nice person, we had a good short time together and nice talks.
I wish you a good luck man!

Gerard was an Excelent host! He took the time to show me around town (city walk) and really gave me a feel for all things "typical Dutch". Even though I only stayed in Rotterdam a very short time I feel like I walked away with a lot. Thanks Gerard!

Gerard is a host as good as it gets! He spent one whole day with us showing us the whole coast around Rotterdam. It was a very useful to learn so many things about the nederlands and very interesting to hear about all the places in the world he has been to.
He takes very good care about his hosts and my guess is that everybody is delighted to have a host like that. Well at least I was...
Until next time in Rotterdam or Macedonia, Gerard.

 

Gerald is a very friendly person and a wonderful couchsurfer. We had great conversations at my place and walking around Groningen. Sure I will be happy to meet him again. Ciao Gerald and Happy Couchsurfing!

Gerard is a really social person. His enthousiasm and good-mood brings a good atmosphere in the room. We've had interesting conversations about all kind of subjects.
Looking forward to meet Gerard again!!

Gerard is extremely kind person! It was a big pleasure to spend two days in his house. He is a very good company and can cook beautiful tasty national dishes)
I've enjoyed it very much!

 

i met gerard briefly in rotterdam, and again in groningen. we had a quite long and interesting conversation, also about pretty personal topics. he is a very calm and friendly man, interested in many different things. i am sure he will be a great host, and hope to check that out soon! (maybe in november? :-) )

Gerard was a very good host; he went with us to a lot of very interesting places in or near Rotterdam or in DenHaag, I told us a lot of informations to all the sights we have travelled, He is a very good host and a very good guide combined in one person

 

It took some time at Gerard to fix my name but I always get a warm welcome to Rotterdam at the weekly meeting.

Great guy trying to form the generation of tomorrow.

Gerard was my first host on my bicycle trip across Europe and I could not have asked for a better one. For three days in Rotterdam, Gerard was my personal guide to Dutch culture. We traveled to the capital, toured Rotterdam, and went to various places that only local Dutch would know about. At all times, Gerard was pleasant, informative, and cheerful.
It's rare to find that special combination of knowledge, humor, and hospitality that sepearates a good host from a great host. If your looking for someone who will give you an incredible understanding of Dutch culture in a few days, provide you with a comforable room in his very neat house, and engage you with hours of wonderful conversation, Gerard is your man in Rotterdam. Thank you my friend, and I look forward to seeing you again some time.

 

I was in need of a couch at the last minute, and Gerard was very kind and offered his place. His place was very cozy and he was a really good host, treating me to a nice typical breakfast and a little tour of the city center. I whish I had more time to spend in Rotterdam... perhaps on a next trip !

Gerard is an incredible guy who would love to show you so much as long as you´re interested. He is extremely generous and I am very grateful for all that he showed And told me. Staying with him is what made my trip to holland so wonderful. I suggest that anyone seeing Rotterdam or anything in the area get in contact with him - it will greatly improve your travels. He really knows what couchsurfing is about.

 

It's always my pleasure to host/meet the Dutch, I have a personal love for this people and its nation!

I met Gerardus en Mathijs in Manaus when they came to visit the jungle!
We had our share of fun and talks, we walked all over the "cetrum" and had some nice dishes in some simple restaurants!

Besides that They helped me a lot with my dutch language. I have no other words to describe how happy I felt.

dankuwel voor alles! zie jou later in Nederland!

Doeiiii

Update 31/01/09

Finally I had the chance to Surf Gerards couch! and it was great as I expected! always nice to feel Gezellig with the dutch :)

We had been to several places, Madurodam, Van der Valk, Belgium, Volemdam, Zandam... I really wish I could have a father like him! Besides that he gave me two gifts that I loved so much A dutch history book and a self learning dutch language course!

dankjewel Gerard, ik mis nl en je hospitality ook! :(

Gerard is a great person. He's smart, fine, a lovely one. He and Mattjis stayed with me about a week. A everlast friendship was born while he was in Manaus. His couselors and life experience made me grow up a little bit.

You're always welcome in Manaus

Gerard is very good, intelligent and gentle person. It was great pleasure to be surfed in his home. Thank you for tasty traditional Dutch dishes and good hospitable atmosphere.

This year I visited Gerard's house with my girlfriend Maria. We were imbued with Dutch spirit. I was really impressed by many artificially made things. The Gate in the end of Rhein, water level higher than groung level, beautiful cities and its small copies in Madurodam. Gerard explained what freedom means. He explained that not with the words but with his own example. Diligence and order are the things on which freedom there is based. It's great! Gerard discovered the Netherlands to me.

gerad offered me very clean and neat sleeping place, his place is extremely clean as he is very organized. hes helpful and enjoys company of his guests. a lovly gentelman

gerard was a wonderful host. unfortunatly we couldnt stay longer but his generousity and politeness was exeptional. it's good to know there are people like him in the world

 

What an excellent host! He picked me up from the station and excorted me around Rotterdam and The Hague. He also made me an excellent lasagna dinner and some fine Dutch breakfasts. A perfect host for those two days in Holland.
I surfed again with him in early July for 3 days. I was transplanting myself from Slovakia to America and he picked me up and dropped me off at the train station. What a relief that was. He was again so helpful and kind. There aren't enough good things to say about him. Thanks again Gerard.

A very nice guy who was very helpful. If you want to learn about 'new' Dutch culture, than talk to him. He's very enthusiastic about it!

 

I met Gerard a whole bunch of times at the Rotterdam Meetings, and I don't know why I didn't leave him a reference earlier. This is one great guy. Superfriendly, and loves his work as a teacher. Always pleasant to hear him tell his stories,too !

I met Gerard on my first meeting. He was very friendly and we had some nice conversation. I still owe him for a drink, so luckily we'll have to meet again. :)

 

Gerard is the perfect host. A great source of local info who offers very clean and comfortable accommodations. Thank you very much for everything including the tour of Rotterdam and the evening chocolate :-)

nice guy, many things to share, drove me to a few places, drove me to central station to catch train to airport in the morning at 7am. thanks so much!

Gerard was my first CS host, I stayed with him for 2 weeks just outside of Rotterdam. He really likes to host people, and to show people things that are "Typically Dutch", like the way the Dutch handle the water, Dutch food, Dutch modern architecture etc. He is a teacher and very good with people, he really listens and will remember thing that you tell him. He is also very organized, and being not so organized myself I've learned a few things from this guy. BUT; I would never live the way he does, haha... Somewhere in the middle is better for me. We had a good time together! Thanks, G!

 

Gerard is the living proof that age does not count. Enthusiasm, warmth and sincere interest in people do. Gerard has all of that and it's every time a pleasure to meet him.

 

Gerard is the father of all couchsurfers :)He is a inspiring person with a great interest in other people and with a genuine cs spirit. If you happen to come to Rotterdam you should really try to meet him. I hope I'll just be as vital and up to date when I'll have his age

A man with great stories to be told, real CS-spirit, he knows where and how to travel, and, more important, able to rediscover his own city.

 

It was fun to stay with Gerard, he invited me to the local radiostation where he introduced me to his hobby, reporting the local news. I like radio, there is not one day passing without listening to the radio. He also gave me good tips for eating in Rotterdam downtown. We shared our travelling stories. I am not really a random guest because I ask Gerard to offer me a place to stay when I work as a cement truckdriver in the Zuid Holland area.So I pop in to his life every now and then, an has been his guest for more than six times. But for Gerard is this not a problem, so I am really thankful for his kindness!!
Gerard you are welcome at my place.

 

I had a ridiculousy great experience hanging out with my friend Gerard. He's extremely generous and he's a very well-spoken person, always with interesting anecdotes, even if sometimes they may seem like dirty old man jokes (haha). He's a true Dutchman who knows his culture very well, and will show you what it means to be a host. Run quickly to his place to enjoy his hospitality, his friendliness, and his laugh. Take care!

 

I stayed with Gerard for tow nights and i could not have wished for a better place! He's an awesome guy, very friendly and who really loves to host and he puts great effort into making your visit comfortable and fun. Gerard offered do show me around any place i wanted and really provided a lot of good information about the city. Thank you again Gerard, you were a big help, hope to see you again soon!

i wanted some days to relax.
I did. He showed me Kinderdijk, Rotterdam. We visited a great health-spa: Elysium. Great!. He took me to a CS-meeting in Rotterdam.
He is a friendly guy, a real CS- ambassador!

It was really nice of Gerard too host me and my friend Peter in such a short notice and buzzy time of year (queens weekend). We've got a tour in Rotterdam and in the afternoon we went too the studio of 3B. That was a nice surprice and expirience for me. Later on we went eating in "de gouden wok" and went too a CS meeting of Ghazi.
Gerard is a very nice person with many interests.

 

Gerard provided my buddy Anouck and me bed and breakfast. He showed us Rotterdam and gave us a demonstration of his hobby: dj on a local radio. It was a pleasure to have met him.

Gerard seems like a great guy, open minded and nice to have a good conversation with. See you at the next party?

 

Gerard was nice enough to come pick me up to mums kitchen when I was totally lost. He shared some food with me at the picnic and also took our heavy backpacks with the car. Besides this, Gerard has a gift for creating convenient opportunities e.g. so more couch surfers could crash at his place after the picnic or have a dinner together then head out for a next event. Thanks and until the next meeting!!

 

First I met Gerard in a costume at the Sinterklaas meeting.
Caused by the very big crowd we didn't manage to have a good talk than.
Later in April I met him in Rotterdam as one of the organisers of the Picture quest.
As he didn't join the group the real meetup with him started that evening and while playing games at Moms Kitchen I slowly got to know him a bit better.
The next day I met him again at the Railwaystation where I started the bike tour to Kinderdijk as he managed to organise the food getting to Kinderdijk with his car wich ofcourse is fantastic with such a great involvement.
As I talked a lot with him at the picknick I realized that he was going to the Sauna on monday by car and as this is easyer for me he hosted me that night together with Victoria.
The monday we had a fantastic breakfast and also the company with him in the sauna was nice together with some other couchsurfers.
Finally that night I stayed at his house again and had again some great discussions about almost anything CS related.
It was a pleasure to meet him and also to be hosted by him.
He also takes the comments very serious wich is important as this improves the security of the website.
See you again at the next meeting Gerard.

Every time I met Gerard again over the past years, his friendly, warm and accommodating nature overwhelms -if not shyens- me once more. It makes me wonder where his personal boundaries of hospitality lie.

Gerard is extreamly easy going and open person. If you love saunas he's the best person approach:) We met few times during various CS meetings and im looking forward to the next one:)

I had my first couching experience with Gerard after having participated in a picture quest and a dinner in Rotterdam. Although, it wasn't planned, Gerard generously offered me to surf his couche thereafter. I went there with another CS he had planned to welcome. The day after we went to a picnic at Kinderdijk where Gerard was bringing bags for everybody with his car. Gerard is a very kind and dedicated person, willful of showing and explaining a lot about the city and the Netherlands. I had a very good time in his company, and a very typical dutch breakfast. I hope to come back to his place any time soon. I'll write you about this.

 

Gerard is a truly wonderful host! His generosity is astounding - I had my own room, he looked after my bag when I arrived from the airport for the picture quest late, he drove me to and from his house, he fed me all my meals and taught me a lot about Dutch culture and food AND THEN apologised for not giving me as much attention as he would normally give his guests!! Way more than anyone should ever expect from a host. It was a sincerely fabulous experience.

Gerard is a positive guy who I met at a pre-Queenday meeting by a biketour to and a picknick in Kinderdijk. He invited the meetingorganisation for dinner, the meal was pretty good. Hope to see him again in future, at a Rotterdammeeting perhaps... we'll see.

I met Gerard during a regular meeting in Rotterdam before the big Sinterklaas meeting in the same city. He is always willing to host guests last minute, wants to help other members out in case something goes unexpected and he likes to hang out with you either at a bar or on a tour in the city. He is also one of the key members in the Rotterdam area as he's always ready to help organizing events. He played for Sinterklaas for instance and together me and him created a Photo / Picture Quest for Rotterdam. Just a great guy.

Ofcourse I appreciated the fact he put my friend and I up for a night and fed us, however, he was inappropriate with me. He did and said things that made me unconfortable and really put me in a position where I didn't have much choice in the matter, other than leave, which I probably should have done. I don't know if he acted so because I was gay or if he is that way with other couchsurfers, but I just felt really uncomfotable the majority of the time with him. I definitely didn't adore my stay with him and, "NO"! I'm not looking forward to a return as he so kindly commented on my page (and then took off after I wrote this comment).

This is truely an open minded person, he's in for a good conversation he can switch between subjects quick, and his way of thinking is also very fast. He's very energetic, an active personality.
I only talked very short time to him. But the time we talked I understanded he is open minded to idea's and he is also willing to host people on the last moment. He gives all kinds of advice. He looks a free spirit not afraid to show himself, i adore these kind of people.
Hope to meet him in future more times.,.

Gerard hosts us for an evening... but also he cooked us nice dinner and typical dutch breakfast!
Then he guides us for Rotterdam center tour showin' us the rebuilted broken heart of the city! He invited us to a radio station too... but we had to leave!!! Hope he'll enjoy at once visitin' our place now!!!

Gerard saved our asses multiple times. first by hosting a place to sleep at the very last moment, and picking us up on 3.15 in the morning because of a bus screw up. Very friendly with fun stories.

Gerard provided my friend Ralph and I with a place to stay at the utter last minute, we went to Rotterdam for the Motel Mozaique festival. He's a really nice guy, loves culture and tells interesting stories. Thanks again Gerard!

Like Philip Roe writes earlier down on this long list of positive references, he isn't this way to all guests, but if you are a male younger than 25, I reccomend you don't stay with this man. I pray by some divine revelation that God sends a faithful righteous man his way to show him the way.

 

Gerard is an active CS member. Besides playing an excellent Sinterklaas at our 2007 Sinterklaas party he (co)organises events in Rotterdam.
It's always great to have locally active members! :)

 

It's hard not to see Gerard just a 'Sinterklaas', but he is so much more. He is devoted to the Rotterdam-community and full of ideas. Above all he allways provides a good conversation.

The coolest teacher in Rotterdam! Very open and interested in other people and cultures. He's always willing to host people, last minute or not. We went together to Georges b-day party in Brussels, that was very nice!

 

It was really great to meet Gerard at the Rotterdam weekly meeting. Men like him are the real cs'ers: open minded, funny and whole-world-travelers! He shares the CS spirit, even though he is as old as my father.. :) Keep on teaching and enjoying traveling, mate!

 

I met Gerard during the CS week end for the Sinterklaas in Rotterdam and then during the week end for George's Birthday in Brussels. He is nice and interesting. Thanks to his experience, he has many stories to tell, expecially about Rotterdam, he seems to be proud of his city, where he lives since he was born.

He seems to be a very open person, quite talkative and open for new ideas. Besides that, I had the impression that he's caring well for his guests, and that he tries to let them see as mach as possible. Hope to see you again - either in Leuven or in R'dam!

 

I met Gerard at the birthday party of our common friend Joris. We had some good talks about our travels and our couchsurfing experiences. It immediately struck me that Gerard has a true heart for couchsurfers and that he puts a lot of effort into the CS community of Rotterdam as well. Gerard is very easy-going, inviting and loves to meet new people. He talks very passionately about CS and about his travels and therefore it's great to hang out with him. Hope to see you again soon!

Gerard is active in the Rotterdam community and a very friendly person in general, I strongly recommend you take the time to meet him!

Gerard is really wonderful person, who always cares about couchsurfers. He told me about the most interesting places in Netherlands and taught me a lot about dutch culture. I really enjoyed my first couchsurfing staying at his place. THANK YOU!

Yes how can i start to my reference?i dont know exactly.I crashed at Mr.Gerard(The King)house for 5 days.I have to say so many thanks for every day i think.First of all he picked me up from Rotterdam Centraal Station to his home in Bergschenhoek.Then he gave me a wonderful seperated room.We went to Den Haag by his car and saw everywhere in Den Haag.Then we went to Elysium that everyone should visit there:)Briefly thanks for everything Mr.Gerard.You are the BEST.

 

Gerard's reaction on meeting me was so spontaneous and hearty,he really welcomed me into the Rotterdamgroup.He's such a caring,sociable person,genuinely interested in others and always willing to help out stranded surfers.He's also very active to do his part in the CSR'dam community even if that means showing up as his alterego,Sinterklaas.But it's a public secret so hush....;-)

I still don't know if I prefered Gerard's extremely laidback and accomodating attitude or his Louis IV's like breakfasts...Even I came back at 4 a.m. to his place on saturday evening, Gerard still had a large smile on his face. I just felt at home during the entire weekend. Gerard is a great talker who is definitely in the spirit of couchsurfing. Hope to see you soon Gerard!

Gerard was my first host in couch surfing and it was an amazing experience! He is a very nice person, I loved to be hosted by him! Thank you for everything!!!! See you one day for sure!!

 

Met Gerard at many CS meeting here in Rotterdam. He is kind andan very involved host. He knows alot and is fun talking to. Don't tell anyone but he is a great Sinterklaas too;) And .. I just love his couch surf information, well done:) See you around Gerard.

Gerard was a great host!, he hosted me and my friends. This was my first experience surfing in somebody's coach, and Gerard was simply a great host as he not only gave us a place to sleep but also an introduction on Sinterklaas party during breakfast time. Thanks Gerard and hope to see you again!

 

Gerard is what I call a premium host: very dedicated, care taking, understanding, flexible, easy and nice to talk with. He shows real intrest and is eager to learn and to share what he knows. I was bringing 3 friends with me from Brussels that were hosted first time in their "CS-life". I could not have imagined a better host than Gerard! Almost better than the Santa Claus we met the night before ;-) I'll be glad to host him in Brussels. Both thumbs up for this man.

Gerard is really nice! He has hosted me and 3 of my friends in Rotterdam and really treated us in the best possible way (somehow spoiling us :-) ) We had the chance to also hear the complete overview about Sinterklaas during the lovely breakfast he offered to us! THANK YOU SO MUCH GERARD

 

I met Gerard a couple of times now at meetings (organizing the CSinterklaas party) and he seems to be real cool and fun. I also see him offering his couch to a lot of last minute surfers or surfers in trouble and i can only applaud for that, we need people like that in CS all over the world! (hehe btw thanks for the compliment Gerard ;)

Gerard is still a young and energetic man, full of stories, in for fun and I bet he's a great host too!

Gerard is a real Couchsurfer; an energetic man who really likes to host others and likes to travel. Went to Mexico last year. We talked a bit at the Rotterdam CS-meeting.

3 great days with a great man.
really nice and generous, was a great host, made me and my 2 friends every mirnung a great tipiclly dutch breakfest, we went together to a couchsurfing meeting, and to eat some israeli food :)
thank you vey much for everything, and hopefully after the army i will come again!

Gerard is a really nice man. He is dedicated in his work as a pampering host and an informative guide. His record collection is also very nice!

Gerard's was an amazing host and a generous, kind and knowledgeable person. I was lucky enough to surf on the same night of Pedro's going away party--haha, such a thrill. I wish I had the chance to stay longer.

Gerard is a great host. Makes his best for making you feel comfortable at his place. Great cook also...thanks for the special vegetarian dinner and sorry again for the delay :-( !

 

The awesome meals and delicacies, presentations of Dutch culture and taking me to the wonderful sights of Rotterdam and the Hague prove that Gerard makes sure that his guests get the best out of their stay. Gerard does a great job of not only showing the culture of tolerance that the Dutch are known for, but also the level of hospitality that they are capable of. Make sure to consider a stay with him if you're visiting the city of Rotterdam.

Gerards house is very nice, he has a good couch and the diner is always ready! He is a good guest and can learn you a lot about the Nederlands.

Gerard is very welcoñing, and you rapidly feel at home with him! I haven't had the oportunity to stay as long as planned, but I would have loved it I'm sure because he's very keen on sharing the dutch culture.

 

Gerard was a wonderful host. He fetched me from the Airport in Rotterdam and drove me to his place. He explained lots about his culture and pointed out things I would never have known! (He lives below sea level!) His house is really neat and his cooking is amazing! I really enjoyed my unexpected time in Rotterdam with him. Thanks for also being ok with me sleeping in town. I appreciate it :)

 

wonderful. a clean bed. did our laundry, fed us. a great experience. wonderful!

 

Gerard is a person who likes to host others, and learn from their culture. In return, he really wants to teach others.

Gerard is a man to respect.

Gerard is very friendly, open minded and seems to be quite experienced in CS!
Gerard, thank you for adding me as a friend so quickly.
greets and maybe: CU again!

 

Gerard gave us a wonderful tour of Holland, explaining to us some of the reasons that things are the way they are here and treating us to delightful Dutch specialities!

 

Gerard comes over to me as a kind and helpful person. We met at 'Consul' Rotterdam.

Gerard was a wonderful host, putting me up at very short notice and proving very hospitable. I feel that I learned something about Dutch culture from him, and it was a shame I couldn't stay longer on this visit. However, I'm sure we'll meet again on my next trip.

Gerard and I met several times and I think he is a very friendly guy. Gerard seems to like taking his couchsurfers on trips and he likes to spend time with them. He knows a lot and likes to share his knowledge. Probably the teacher inside him is very strong. Fortunately he knows how to catch your interest so it never get's boring.
Looking forward to our next trip ;-)

 

Gerard is a very enthousiastic host! He makes sure that his surfers are comfortable and get to know the 'real' Holland! He's a lot of fun to talk to about a wide array of topics, from Chinese food in Holland to Dutch watermanagement.

After some e-mails ,Gerard host us very warmly in his flat "style contemporain"
We had a good talk about travels of course,after a very good dinner of dutch specialities.

I like the wise words that Gerard speaks, he's honest, humble, compassionate and very giving. Many years experience teaching has kept his spirit young and vital. I look forward to more conversations about Holland soon!

I learned a lot of the dutch way to life from gerard. he's a sociably and warmly person hosted me very well. i especially enjoyned the excursions with him to den haag, gouda, the museon, omniversum and the pier. i can recommend gerard's couch for every couchsurfer.

Met Gerard at a meeting. Talked a bit and he seems to be nice person.

Gerard is a warm person. Well traveled and loves to share his experiences in a way that makes you want to go there.

Gerard has travelled a lot and likes to tell about that :)

we had a short talk and I could read in this person that he is a good teacher.
He likes to travel.

Gerard is a very interesting person, and he was very kind to me. It was a pleasure to meet him and exchange thoughts about our different realities.
Take good care my friend!

Gerard is a very easygoing and social couchsurfer. He is very interested about the social and political problems of the places he visits. You can speak about everything with him in dutch, english or german and soon in spanish or portuguese (isn`t it true Gerard?)and as a good teacher he is, he is a very good listener as well.

Gerard and his friend Pedro were the first couchsurfers we´ve met. And he definitivly showed that couchsurfing isn´t just about cheap traveling... it´s a state of mind. And he helps spreading this idea all over the world. Keep going and thanks for all!

 

Gerard left the image of an interested, warm, caring character, willing to share knowledge and experiences and to spread good.

Is a nice guy that you can spend a nice time with

Gerard is a really good hoast that really goes out of his duties to make you feel comfertible. I warmly recomend Gerard as a hoast and problebly as a couch surfer too.

 

Gerard and I met at the CS Sinterklaas party in Rotterdam. He seems a very warm and friendly person, who is very eager to share his hospitality and learn from people from all over the globe. Even though he lives a little bit outside the city and his couch is thus less likely to come up in your search, I'd say it will be worthwhile to contact Gerard when looking for a host in or around Rotterdam.

Gerard is real Couchsurfer at heart! ready to take anyone in and be as helpful to poor world travelers as possible! Enjoy the new "system"!

Gerald is a down to earth and up-beat Dutchman who was very generious to me. him and Pablo, an exchange student from brazil, showed me a good time on a car ride to the dams that trully show the netherlands struggle against water.
I trust him and would like to see him in the future.

 

Gerard is a straight up man. He is very eager to show you Rotterdam. I believe he will do his best to entertain you