Cutting Room

An underground CS tabloid news wiki project showcasing any and every news article that doesn't make it to Community Voice - unedited, uncut, unverified! This is the voice of the CouchSurfing community, from the heart. Feel free to submit your own articles here.

A CouchSurfer's Perspective

1st August 2007 by Luna
I checked my watch nervously, as my travel companion frantically tried to pick up a cell signal so we could call and alert Vincent to our delayed arrival. After difficulty in navigating Paris' complex transportation system, we just missed our southern-bound train and didn't want our host to sit out in the cold at Marseilles' uncovered station for hours waiting on us to find our way.

In retrospect, it now seems a bit odd (sketchy even perhaps) that we had never before met Vincent, but were taking a risk and staying with him anyway. I didn't know even know the most basic things about him: his place of birth, pets' names, setting of his first kiss -- things I generally knew about even the most casual of my acquaintances. But not Vincent. No, Vincent was just a fellow member of an online travel group of which I was a part. I stumbled across his profile while researching ways to finance a month-long assignment in France. The most interaction we had prior to our meeting on his turf was an e-mail exchange or two. Yet, he was retrieving us at the station and taking us to his secluded Provence villa for four nights. The setting for a made-for-TV, Texas Chainsaw Massacre-esque slasher flick perhaps, but we were edgy girls accustomed to taking risks. On the contrary, had my mom back home in my conservative Tennessee town known what I was doing, she might have croaked.

That was the reaction I initially got -- and often still do -- from many friends and acquaintances when they hear I am using "backpackers clubs" like Hospitality Club (www.hospitalityclub.org) and Couch Surfing (www.couchsurfing.com) as means of budget travel. My former roommate referred to the travelers I would meet up with as my "Match.com dates," when in reality that couldn't be further from the truth.

Hospitality Club stresses that it is not a dating service (Match.com enthusiasts, read no further), and should you try to use it as such, your messages to other members will not be delivered. Through an extensive application process -- including a background search that requires you to submit your passport number -- Hospitality Club volunteers screen each person who is admitted, as well as scan every e-mail sent through the website to make sure all content is appropriate. It may seem too Big Brother for some, but after receiving a marriage proposal or two via Couch Surfing, I welcomed Hospitality Club's stricter policy. (Disclaimer: It should be said that I have had only positive experiences using Couch Surfing, as well, but have gotten a questionable e-mail or two to which I didn't respond.)

Both organizations are completely free of charge. They were started with the intent to unite the globetrotters of the world and those who thrive on exploring it. Anyone can join, and it can be used for as little as getting recommendations when visiting a new town to finding a free place to sleep or a local tour guide.

Vincent turned out to be a wonderful host and someone I would like to get to know better. After hitting a home run with him, my friend and I moved eastward along the Cote d'Azur, staying each couple of nights with a different Hospitality Club member or Couch Surfer. A month later, we had spent no money on accommodation and gained several new friends.

I continued to use these convenient services throughout the duration of my time living abroad. When I finally returned to the United States, I fell into post-travel depression. No longer could I pick up on a whim and fly to Morocco or hop a train and be in Germany in an hour. Grounded by a real job and lack of travel funds, I sadly changed my profile status on each web group from whatever exotic locale it had previously said back to New York.

That's when the e-mails really started pouring in.

I had never before thought of using these sites from my home base to get my travel fix. When you're in Europe, you get used to meeting backpackers everywhere you go. In the States, it's generally just the overly obnoxious tour groups and retired couples who block your path, not the fun-loving Aussie or pint-drinking Brit backpackers you so frequently encounter around every corner in other countries. Because the United States is so big and we lack an array of transcontinental transportation options (i.e. cheap cross-country trains, budget air carriers), I couldn't really envision someone "backpacking" across it. However, much to my surprise I discovered that the backpacker community does, in fact, live on in my own country -- and dominantly at that.

Excited by my influx in correspondence, I began reading through my inbox. Among others, there was a Korean businessman coming to town for work, a Finnish guy who wanted to ditch his parents and see the real New York, and two Canadian girls just border-hopping for a weekend of fun. I eagerly replied to each e-mail, and before I knew it my social calendar was full for the next three months.

That's not to say I haven't had a strange experience or two. Due to the law of probability, with every barrel of apples, you're likely to find a rotten one. Tim from New Zealand was the worm in my barrel of otherwise untainted fruit. He showed up at my apartment, joined my friends and I for a night out, and proceeded to offend everyone but perhaps the bartender by his lack of tact and opposition to American foreign policy. We all have our opinions, but someone should have explained to Tim the significance of the expression "when in Rome" -- particularly when he was openly bashing the very country he was visiting.

Luckily for me, those Tim occurrences have been few and far between, and I chock them up to cultural differences. Now, two years after delving into the world of online travel, it's not out of the ordinary for a normal week to include lunch with an Icelandic couple, coffee with a Chilean and after-work drinks with a bunch of unruly Greeks. Emma, an Australian Couch Surfer, and I hit it off so well that she's even looking at moving to New York and taking up residence in my spare room. Although, each and every time I make these new friends, I can't help but envy their freedom and nomadism. Still, I know one day my time will come, again, and for now, it's just nice to be able to give back.

The urban adventure: 17 days of hospitality exchange

18th July 2007 by polarfox
During the second half of August, the worldwide hospex community will participate in a unique cultural project in Bremen/Germany. For the duration of 17 days our bunch of friendly people reaches out its helping hands to redesign an entire seven storey building and to foster internationality among the participants. The living complex consists of 110 accommodation units that will be teared down after the project. This in turn means that there are simply no limits to imagination and creativity. Members can sign up under: hc-goes-sproutbau.piranho.de The only restrictions are that members have to stay for at least 5 days and that there is only place for 10 members per day, so be quick!!!

Mexico Couchsurfers open doors (and couches) to the world

12th July 2007 by Adrian Montfort
As the biggest event worldwide for the celebration of cultural diversity and international dialogue nears its opening day, the local Couchsurfing community of Monterrey, Mexico is ready to receive all the CSers that will take part in the activities of the 2nd Universal Forum of Cultures.

The Forum is a non-profit, global, civil society event that seeks to promote cultural diversity, cooperation, dialogue and celebration of the richness of our modern world. Local CSers have been deeply involved in the organization of this event, the follow up to the Universal Forum of Cultures Barcelona 2004, and have begun to organize a series of CS events and meetings for all the travelers that will visit the city during the 80-day event.

This event is free, and is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to present inniciatives to make this world a better place and Couchsurfing is an important part of this project. We want also to take the opportunity of this event to present CS to the almost 1.5 million attendents to the Forum, and will be organizing events sponsored by the local CS community.

For more info on the event click on www.monterreyforum2007.org

Bula Fiji first major event a success!!

11th July 2007 by Losana & Simon McGowan-Greaves
Bula Fiji, which is the Fiji CS Collective, had our first major get together last weekend. We were excited and honored to be joined by fellow German CS, Jörg Wimper and Lene Juergens. On Friday, July 6th everyone who is based in the capital of Suva traveled down to the jet set town of Nadi for what was the beginning of a weekend filled with, sun, sand, laughter and a great cultural exchanged. The tiny room that we all bunked in didn’t dampen the spirit (in fact this made it more fun) as we shared jokes, stories, ideas and laughter. The highlight was the day cruise to the popular Beachcomber Island where we all indulged in a cocktail of swimming, kayaking, parasailing, beach volleyball and exchanging more stories & ideas on how we could improve CS in Fiji. Bula Fiji member Fenton Lutun organised this first major get together and more exciting ones are already planned for the upcoming months.

New Couchsurfing documentary

4th July 2007 by Derek Serra
Filmmaker Derek Antonio Serra plans to shoot a documentary on the couchsurfing phenonema over the next two years. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Serra will host travellers in his hometown as well as couchsurf himself, and capture these experience on HD video.

In July he will be hosting surfers in Cape Town, as well as meeting up with other surfers being hosted by CS2 members in the city. Serra's first couchsurfing trip will take him to Malaysia, Phillipines and Indonesia in August/September this year, where he hopes to be hosted by couchsurfing enthusiasts. The documentary will thus carry the perspectives of both hosts and surfers,

So, if you live in South Africa, Malaysia, Phillipines or Indonesia, or plan to visit Cape Town, and would like to participate in this documentary, please check out Derek Serra's profile at www.couchsurfing.com/people/DEREKSERRA and get in touch him to discuss the matter further.

Mongol Rally 2007

4th July 2007 by Sam Brettingham
On 21 July 2007 I Sam Brettingham, 21, a Sustainable Design student at Falmouth University College and my team mate James Binning, 20, an architecture student at Cambridge University, will travel from Hyde Park in London, to the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar as participants of the 2007 Mongol rally. The Mongol Rally will take us and another 199 teams on a journey of nearly 10,000 miles – a third of the way across the world. Participants will be driving on the worst roads imaginable, pass through five mountain ranges and cross three deserts on the way, all in cars with one litre engines or less. The mighty steed in which we have decided to drive in is a Suzuki SJ410.

We will be leaving London on the 21st July and driving to Prague for the 22nd where there will be a fantastic party and gathering of all those taking part. Our route will take us south through Turkey, hugging the Black sea, into Georgia, Azerbaijan, across the Caspian sea in to Turkmenistan and then north through Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and finely into Mongolia. If there is anyone along the way who would be willing to put two smelly yet charming travelers up for a night we would be greatly appreciated, otherwise it will be sleeping in the jeep! Do get in touch.(jb561@cam.ac.uk)

The Mongol Rally isn’t only about the adventure and having a memorable experience though. Last year’s event raised over £200,000 for its partner charities and in 2007 the Rally is expected to hit the target of a quarter of a million pounds. The principle charity is Mercy Corps, an international development organisation, which supports rural communities and herding families in Mongolia through a range of economic, educational and agricultural programmes.

With help we hope to raise £1000 for Mercy Corps and any contribution to the cause has been greatly appreciated. There is also an opportunity for team sponsorship, if anyone is interested don’t hesitate to get in touch.

For online donations to Mercy Corps go to www.justgiving.com/samboandjimbo and for more information about the Mongol Rally visit www.mongolrally.com (here you can also find a list of all participating teams) and for our team web site take a look at www.rally.microbros.com.

europAlive : A documentary about today's and tomorrow's Europeans

4th July 2007 by aRno Jullien
A project is taking shape in Europe, aiming at connecting people with each others through a documentary taking place in all the 27 EU countries.

The challenge here is to travel to all European capitals (or main cities) in order to make filmed interviews from different categories of people, who represent most of each country's population : students, workers, housewives, jobless, homeless, artists, businessmen and retired persons, for the most general panel.

The idea is to go and meet these people and ask them the same questions,so that it's possible to compare our answers and share our visions with everyone else in the EU and abroad. No budget, only volunteering work, as Couchsurfing demonstrates through its members it can be a reality in a cynical, money-driven world.

Discover Estonia during Pärnu beach camp

25th June 2007 by Katrin Niisuke
Estonia, as a small country alongside the Baltic Sea does not very often stay on the routes of travellers. However, there’s a special reason to visit this little country very soon now, because of the big HC/CS camp held from 28. June until 1. July.

The camp is organised by a little group of enthusiastic estonians who want to bring together many like-minded people, share the cultures and friendship. The dates for the camp have been chosen carefully, because when the camp is over, there’s a brilliant opportunity for the campers to head to Tallinn and see estonian traditional Song and Dance Celebration.

Camp itself have two full-days, from which one is concentrated on estonian culture, other day on all the other cultures that meet up in the camp. Program contains little concerts, movie-night, folk-dancing and much more.

Probably the most enchantng about this camp is the place – isolated beach and naturally beautiful camping area in the middle of the pines. People fond of hiking can find much to discover in the surroundings of the camp place.

Even though the camp starts in less then a week, it’s still not late to register. More information is provided on the webpage www.hceesti.ee

Surfing Between the Border Lines

25th June 2007 by Rachel Evans
"Surfing Between the Border Lines" (working title), an independent, feature-length documentary film exploring the growing phenomenon of couchsurfing is currently in pre-production. Three filmmakers and newbie couchsurfers will spend three months couchsurfing the globe while filming their experiences to share with the world. Making use of interviews, found footage, newscasts, and live action sequences, "Surfing" is a film that will take audiences on an epic journey across hemispheres, time zones, and border lines to explore the possibilities of what can happen when strangers meet and decide to be anything but.

Directed by Rachel Evans, a couchsurfing member from Chicago, Illinois, "Surfing" is set to begin filming in late July of 2007. The filmmakers will travel between New Zealand and Iceland and all points in between. This film will mark the entire film crew's inaugural experience with couchsurfing and will not only chronicle their journey but will seek to situate the phenomenon of couchsurfing within modern culture and to dissect its social relevance, causes, and implications for the future and to discover what, if anything, the world at large can learn from this collective of people.

"I'm fascinated with this concept of pay-it-forward social hosting," says Rachel. "That something like this exists against the backdrop of a world in which there is a growing media-supported trend of both personal and national paranoia and in which most people no longer even know the names of their neighbors is supremely interesting to me both as an American and as a member of a rapidly globalizing society."

A website for the film is set to launch in mid July. Until that time, anyone with questions, suggestions, or a wish to donate much needed funds to the film can email Rachel directly through the couchsurfing.com website - her user name is raeevans. Anyone interested in hosting the crew and participating in the film may also contact her through the site.

Documentary Filmmaker Seeks Couchsurfers to be Part of Film Project!

19th June 2007 by Steven Pomerantz
Dallas grassroots filmmaker Steven Pomerantz has been fascinated by the couchsurfing community over the past year and plans to shoot a documentary film about the CF community.

The project, tentatively titled, "7 Days / 7 Couches" will take Steven to 7 different cities over a 7 day period to meet and stay with interested hosts who would like to be filmed and be part of this exciting project.

"The idea of this film is to show what this community is all about and focus on a wide variety of hosts/couchsurfers bringing to light that humanity, kindness, open-mindedness and free thinking are still part of this world we all live in together," states Pomerantz.

Filming will begin late this summer and will be submitted to film festivals worldwide in 2008. Previous short films by Pomerantz have been featured in film festivals worldwide, along with Pomerantz being awarded one of the top 25 finalists in the 2006 AMEX/Tribeca Film Festival 15-Second Clips Competiton.

All couchsurfers that live in the U.S. and are interested in more information about participating can check out his couchsurfing profile at dallasdocguy or email him at babyxeropictures@aol.com.

Couchsurfing goes to Burning Man 2007

15th June 2007 by Sofa King in Charge

Couchsurfing Camp has officially been formed for this year's Burning Man festival! So far about 65 CS'rs have come together from all over the world to coordinate and create the first official Couchsurfing Camp at Burning Man, 2007. Over the past couple of years the adventurous nature of couchsurfers have found themselves on the playa, and last year there was a Couchsurfing meet-and-greet hosted at the C4 camp out of Canada. This year Couchsurfing Camp has joined up with the Black Rock International Burner Hostel at the burn to create the first International Village -- and there will be a pot luck style CS meet-and-greet at Couchsurfing Camp on Wednesday afternoon Aug 29th starting at 4pm. More information about Couchsurfing Camp can be found through the website www.couchsurfingcamp.com

the Luck of Seven

6th June 2007 by NONECKNOEL

contact noel a hidalgo (aka noneck) global explorer Phone: +1.917.657.6999 (till 7 july) http://luckofseven.com press@noneck.org

on 07 july 2007, noneck noel (aka noel a hidalgo) will depart new york city for a journey around the world to learn from you. affably named "on the luck of seven" or "luck of seven." this is an open-source journey documenting free culture, social innovators and global change.

for seven months, i will stand on the seven contents, dive into the seven oceans, and contemplate seven topics of freedom. while on the way, i will document the journey through stories, photos and videos. this is not my story, this is our story. though your hospitably, donations, projects, connections and friends, our stories will merge into one.

as i wander the earth, my broad shoulders will bear seven topics of freedom: free culture; free and open-source software communities; couchsurfers, bloggers, fellow travelers and vloggers; agents of progressive social change; barcamp, coworking and meetups; happenstance, and climate change. all work will be produced under a creative commons license. all-in-all, this 21st century anthropological view of the personalities in physical / digital world we cohabit will always be freely available.

before departure, i am seeking 700 people to donate USD $11.11 for a total of USD $7,777. in exchange for providing my travel budget, each donor will receive a copy of my self-published book. with a less than, five weeks to go, i am well on my way to meeting my goal. as of 4 june, 2007, 141 generous donors have contributed over $3,000.

along the way, i am looking forward to partnerships with organizations to share good practices. as the clock ticks, i am constantly seeking out partnerships in promotion, equipment, research but most importantly teaching. for example, at home in new york city, michael david vineyards, a family owned vineyard and market located in lodi, california, is sending a few bottles of their award winning seven deadly zins and seven heavenly chards for me to taste. the wine will also be featured at the last few events i have in new york city. while in prague, transitions online, a czech non-profit who works with young, up and coming eastern European journalists, has asked me to help teach a week long session on new media journalism. while on the road, mobileactive and i will work together to report on the use of mobile phones for activism, campaigns, and civic engagement.

this trip will germinate many projects. first, through the blog < luckofseven.com > i document the journey though text, audio, photos and high-definition video. second, i will self-publish at least one book, detailing more intimate parts of my path. third, will be a documentary movie. filmed in a first person perspective and shot in high definition, my goal is to have the movie ready for distribution before the end of 2008.

as for fundraising, once i reach my travel budget of USD $7,777, i will donate 75% of profits to non-profit communities that exemplify the luck of seven.

not an alternative - brooklyn coworking & community organizing - a little over a year ago, i was exposed to a wonderful community of artists, political organizers, freelance workers and free thinkers. not an alternative & the change you want to see gallery calls a modest williamsburg store front home. daily you can come joining us for coworking brooklyn or for monthly salons and performances. as not an alternative looks to expand their offering, i am donating 25% of this projects profits.

couchsurfing.com - open source communication & karma economy - imagine a world where you can travel the globe and have a buddy in every town. imagine, a traveler coming into your home and together you learn from each other. now imagine, these connections stemming from a social networking site. in spite of what most read or watch on television, there is a vast network of free spirits who have no problem opening their doors and allowing fellow travelers to share their home. as an avid host and supporter of couchsurfing, i am donating 25% of profits.

drupal association - open source technology & tools for change - since 2004, i have found myself immersed within a socially astute and technology savvy community who understand the importance of peer to peer communication and dialogue. world renown as one of the best content management systems, late last year, the drupal community established a non-profit to help guide and oversee the drupal project. as one of the new york city organizers and evangelists, i am donating 25% of profits.

using the website, book and film to provide a look at where our early 21st century stands. the remaining 25% of income will be used to establish a not for profit organization that promotes the ideals of this project.

for information: luckofseven.com or contact: press@noneck.org phone: +1.917.657.6999 (until 7 july 2007)

The Rotterdam Mini-Collectove has started!

3rd June 2007 by Duke

The Tech Mini-Collective has officially begun in Rotterdam, Netherlands! Volunteer developers and programmers from all over the world will come together to work on making the CS website faster, more efficient and more stable. The Mini-Collective will focus heavily on bug fixing, improving the infrastructure and training new developers.

You can find out more about the Rotterdam Mini-Collective in the Wiki page Also, be informed about everything that is happening day by day at the Collective in our official blog.

Remember, if you are a programmer/developer, we are still accepting applications for you to join us at the Collective, just send us an email to cs-dev-applications@googlegroups.com

- The CSCR Team

London Hosts showed impressing hospitality!

29th May 2007 by MIKKY MOUTH

During the days of the LONDON CALLING 2007, hundreds of CouchSurfers from allover found themselves surprised by the unbelievable hospitality of the London Hosts.

The Organizers of this Global Gathering have not only built the biggest CouchSurfing event ever, but also made sure that it was successfull for each and everyone.

It is up to the CouchSurfing Community now to pay Respect to one and all of the Organisation Team who put tons of efforts into this.

We want to simple thank all of you who made this priceless amazing event possible.

Berlin Beach Camp May 24th-28th (uncut)

21st May 2007 by Azarethroy

CouchSurfers are getting ready to attend the Berlin Beach Camp 2007 which goes from Thursday May 24th 2007 until Monday May 28th. It has been organised by Michael Habermann (http://www.couchsurfing.com/miicoo) via his website (http://www.happy-traveller.de).

The Berlin Beach Camp is not officially affiliated with any hospitality exchange network. However, it does tend to draw a majority of participants from Hospitality Club and a large minority from CouchSurfing, along with members from smaller hospitality exchange organisations. Thus, it is an ideal occasion to ignore "hospitality exchange branding" and just have lots of fun with like-minded people.

The program will consist of 4 days of fun activities including city walking tours, sports games, movie screenings and dancing. There'll even be a Free Hugs Campaign, organised by Couchsurfer Aaron Schultz (http://www.couchsurfing.com/profile.html?id=1EIN30U).

The campsite is called “Strandbad Grünau” (Sportpromenade 9, 12527 Berlin), a beautiful scenic area of Berlin’s southeast. The location has been rented exclusively for this occasion and boasts of a white sandy beach and a crystal clear lake, right in front of the camp. Accommodation is by way of camping or laying sleeping bags in the dormitory. Each participant is expected to pay 5 euros per night or 15 euros for all 4 nights.

As of writing, over 800 people have signed up for this gathering.

LINKS:
Berlin Beach Camp (MEET) http://www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html?mid=987
Berlin Beach Camp (Group) http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1141
Free Hugs (Group) http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=4109

Evolution Solutions: ‘World that Transcends Money’

20th May 2007 by Shanley

‘Human Capital’ Organizes in GiveGet Nation’s ‘Help Yourself by Helping Others’ E-Pool

Evolution Solutions, a New Haven, Connecticut-based, non-profit social enterprise, announced today the launch of the 1.0 version of its free person-to-person human resources sharing application, GiveGet Nation (www.givegetnation.net). First there was the Internet, connecting people everywhere. Then came Amazon, cutting out the middle man. Next, eBay gave a free window to millions of entrepreneurs. In 1998, people started Googling the world's information--and the Internet would never be the same.

And now, its founders say, GiveGet Nation will do all these things, all at once--without money--by circulating the limitless human product, labor, intelligence and spiritual capital of the world through pooling. “The human capital of the planet is beyond measure and is therefore priceless. It’s time we shared the bounty to heal the planet and help one another. That’s why GiveGet Nation was founded,” say founders Timothy Wilken, MD, and William Shanley. “By efficiently putting to work and circulating what’s already abundant via our e-pool, GiveGet Nation helps to improve the quality of life for people, set the world free from scarcity and save the Earth through synergy.” “Imagine living in a land where you don’t need money to get what you want in life and you’re free to share what you can afford. That world’s not here yet, but at GiveGet Nation, we’re working to manifest it,” said media producer William Shanley from his New Haven office. “We want to help you, your family and neighbors near and far experience a new world that’s beyond money. And we think we’ve got the right formula to make that happen. Our secret? We’re over money because the values people share are worth more than money.”

“Ours is a virtual new world that runs on both quantitative and qualitative dimensions of life, just like Mother Nature,” said Timothy Wilken, a physician and synergy scientist from his home in Carmel Heights, California. “Giving and receiving are really two sides of the same coin – the on-going, universal process of free exchange called ‘life.’ Our new culture of free exchange is based on values and principles that can’t be quantified, mortgaged, privatized or traded in the fragmented economy of Wall Street. Tragically, there’s not been a whole economy in ‘civilization’ since the invention of money. Now we’re going to change that. Think of us as the Humane Economy. We’re making a world that transcends money.” In GiveGet Nation, people can Give, Get and Share: Goods, Actions, Knowing and Spirit in an infinite number of categories and combinations. Share a babysitter or lawnmower. Volunteer to help rebuild New Orleans. Provide expertise. Find help for anything. Express and self-create. Adopt a family. Mentor a young entrepreneur. Give goods whose value is beyond money, like those special items you’ve been storing, don’t want to sell, and would prefer to gift to someone who values them the way you do. “Learn to live more freely. The only limit is your own imagination,” say Messrs. Wilken and Shanley.

GiveGet Nation is free. There are no middle men, fees or commissions of any kind. All transactions are unmediated and use whuffie, a post-scarcity, reputation-based currency voted when a transaction is complete. Whuffie was invented by science fiction writer Cory Doctorow. The greater a person’s whuffie, the greater their reputation for integrity in GiveGet Nation.

About the Science

Dr. Wilken went on to explain the science of GiveGet Nation. “GiveGet Nation is a gifting tensegrity, we call Giftegrity. A tensegrity is the exhibited strength that results when push and pull have a win-win relationship with each other. Tension is continuous and compression discontinuous, such that continuous pull is balanced by equivalently discontinuous pushing forces. We apply that principle to giving and receiving. Buckminster Fuller explained that these fundamental phenomena are ‘not opposites, but complements that could always be found together.’ GiveGet Nation’s economy runs on the power of the win-win relationship between desires to give and get. That’s why we call it Giftegrity.”“No matter how rich or poor, everyone has gifts and wishes and genius to share,” Mr. Shanley said. “GiveGet Nation provides the level playing field so everyone can play the infinite game of life. Think of us as the gifts and wishes e-pool where miracles happen when people’s values match.”

Values are Unlimited and Free

"Values are the basis of all moral, political and economic behavior." -- Robert Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motor Cycle Maintenance

Human values like love, freedom, joy, creativity, growth, abundance and values fulfillment are examples of the primary sources of meaning upon which all goods, services and money are based. Human values are what people are really after in life; they are beyond measure and reside in an unlimited, qualitative domain that bridges both subject and object.“The wonderful thing about human values, the more you share them, the stronger and more attractive they become,” Dr. Wilken explained. “It’s like the relationship between a performer and an audience. A feeling bond is created that empowers the experience and performance for each.”

Conscious Evolution

“The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.” --Mahatma Gandhi

“Join the freedom movement,” Mr. Shanley urged. “Experience our new world of sharing. Help evolve GiveGet Nation. Let’s create ‘a world that works for everyone.’ That’s our Golden Rule.”“In GiveGet Nation gifts and wishes meet love and gratitude, so be fearless and register. Post gifts, wishes and shares. It doesn't matter which. All are fuel for our synergic, human values dynamo,” said Timothy Wilken. “Read author Marilyn Ferguson’s inspiring stories. Watch our movies. Unleash your spirit. Change the world. It won’t cost you anything you say can’t afford.”“Enhance the universal dance,” said William Shanley. “Help yourself. Dream a new future. Become your ideal self while helping others at the same time. So come on, Earth Seeds, let's Save Mother Earth and bring love, joy and abundance to all! Spirit’s calling out to us: ‘Give all you have to love and you will be all things.’ Visit GiveGet Nation. You might just learn to live free.”

About Evolution Solutions, Inc. Evolution Solutions, Inc. is a registered non-profit corporation based in New Haven, Connecticut whose sole purpose is to educate, inform and provide the means for people to consciously evolve “a world that works for everyone.” For more information about Evolution Solutions, Inc., its founders and associates, please visit the website www.givegetnation.net or contact William Shanley. Contact: William Shanley, President, 1+203+497+9334 or w.shanley@sbcglobal.net.

CS Documentary premieres in Montreal

19th May 2007 by Groulx

During the last year, CouchSurfer Pierre-Yves Beaulieu directed a 22 min. documentary film about CouchSurfing. This film was produced as a university terminal project. It was shot in Montreal during October 2006 and it is approximately 2/3 in English and 1/3 in French. It features CouchSurfers Aaron , Anuj , Duke, Rico and Trey. Without being a marketing tool for CouchSurfing, the film aims to promote the CouchSurfing spirit and the positive values it involves.

The premiere is set for May 31st in Montreal (see www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html?mid=2208 for more detailed infos) and the film will eventually be sent to a wide bunch of festivals all over the world. If you have questions or wish to suggest cool festivals in your area, you may send an email at couchsurfingfilm@gmail.com

Announcing The CouchSurfing Leadership Team

11th May 2007 by Fenton

Our CS community has recently passed its 200,000 members mark. Congratulations to everyone one of you for helping CS make a difference in the lives of people all over the world! More couches in more places and more people exploring the world, yet feeling at home wherever they go, making friendships that bridge cultures and continents. As CouchSurfing continues to grow, so does the way the organization operates. We have had several successful collectives now, and have learned a lot over the last four years. In the beginning, the Founders and a few Admins (trusted volunteers brought on board by Casey) maintained all the day-to-day business needed to run the project. This worked fine while CS was smaller, but the time has come for a more formalized organization structure with clear, transparent leadership and accountability, just like any other successful non-profit company.

Our purpose first and foremost is to serve the mission of CouchSurfing. In creating this structure, we are committing to excellent service to the community, effective and regular communication, a transparent decision-making process, quality operations management, and accountability to our mission and membership. To achieve this goal, we have established a Leadership Team comprised of Founders, Admins and a few dedicated, long-term volunteers. The core values of the team are:

Focus. Our top priority is to achieve the mission of CouchSurfing and serve the volunteers and members. Focus on the mission means that CS resources (workforce, finances, etc.) are dedicated to projects that directly serve to achieve the mission. The mission serves as the main criterion for determining which undertakings to support.

Service. Leadership is dedication to the mission, the members and the project, and is inclusive in nature. We strive to bring people together. We are representatives from the community and are open to voices from within the community. Leaders work closely with Ambassadors and volunteers to ensure that the needs of the members and the project are being met.

Structure. CS is a non-profit company that must operate with effective leadership whose purpose is to achieve the mission. The leaders serve as navigators determining the course of the company and making the strategic decisions about the future of CS, taking into consideration input from Ambassadors and the community as a whole. We have defined a clear policy for the Leadership Team, which includes the requirements for membership, a consensus decision-making process, policy for removal from the team, emergency provisions, public records and accountability. For more information on this policy, please see: www.couchsurfing.com/wiki/Leadership_Team

Quality. We have defined the attributes and qualifications for leaders that will best serve the CouchSurfing organization. We are creating a peer-review system to insure leaders and volunteers meet high standards, are accountable for their actions, and are constantly challenged to grow and improve. For more information on this please see: www.couchsurfing.com/wiki/Leadership_Qualities

Communication. We strive for transparency in the organization. Decision making processes and the operation of the Leadership Team is open record, including: - Leadership Team members and area of focus - New appointments to the Leadership Team, including selection process - Regular communication about operations process, including quarterly leadership progress reports - Financial Records - Policies and guideline

The Leadership Team members and area of focus are:
Casey Fenton: President and Visionary Leader, Founder
Dan Hoffer: Operations Leader, Founder
Aldo Golja: Policy Development, Member Safety
Chris Burley: Tech Team Coordinator
Duke: Community Building, Translations
Heather O'Brien: Public Relations, Content Writing (Newsletter, Internal/External Communications), TV/Documentary/Media Projects
Jesse Fenton: Finances, Documentation, Verifications
Jim Stone: Volunteer Coordination, Verifications
Promitheus: Ambassador Coordination
Rachel diCerbo: Member Disputes and Safety, Chat Room Coordination
MrRico: Media Coordinator
Mattthew Brauer: Homepage News, Member Projects, Internal Communications

Many members of the Leadership Team (we wish everyone could make it!) will gather in North America at the end of May to refine the structure and policies. Those who can't be in attendance will still participate remotely. One goal of this conference is to solidify CS's leadership model and implement a solid, stable organizational structure. This structure will be more like a traditional non-profit company than the looser "ad-hocracy" model used in the past. However, the new structure will create a way for any volunteer to eventually take on as much responsibility as he or she desires and to participate in the decision-making corresponding to that level of responsibility.

New volunteers may join by gaining ambassadorship and proving their ability to handle the responsibilities and tasks of ambassadorship. Ambassadors may then take on a specific volunteer role with more responsibility by joining a working team, such as tech development or communications. As these volunteers responsibility and trust grows, they will become the pool from which new leadership team members are selected. We need more committed, hardworking, mission-dedicated people on the Leadership Team! Like a traditional management team, the existing leadership will make decisions to "promote" trusted volunteers, using the process outlined in the Leadership Team Policy. CouchSurfing grows and changes at a rapid pace. This leadership structure is sturdy, yet flexible, and can best adapt to our growing and evolving community. We have a large responsibility to guard the safety and privacy of our members as well as the stability of the organization. This structure ensures that a team of long-term volunteers are responsible and accountable for meeting the needs of the CouchSurfing's mission: facilitating a way to experience intercultural understanding via hosting and surfing couches.

Leadership can only be effective by listening to the needs of the community. With so many active participants, it is impossible come up with a system that is optimal for all members -- you just can't please everyone! That said, we are open to feedback and improvements before presenting the new organizational structure to the community at large within the next two months. This is an exciting time for CS! CouchSurfing is stronger everyday thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Ambassadors and volunteers. We are constantly impressed by and grateful for the contributions to the CouchSurfing Project and it's mission of making a difference not only in the way we travel but in how we relate to the world.

The OpenCouchSurfing Campaign

6th May 2007 by Macdonald

Today saw the launch of OpenCouchSurfing Campaign: www.opencouchsurfing.org

Our mission is to: Participate in creating a Better and More Open CouchSurfing Organisation, one Freedom at a time. We believe in the spirit of CouchSurfing, of creating a better world through understanding. We believe this purpose is best served by a truly Open Organisation, one that is representative of the CouchSurfing community as a whole. We believe information should flow freely through an Open Organisation. We have realized that this Freedom will not come from within the Couchsurfing core itself. We believe in being able to help Couchsurfing by opening the organisation from the outside.

Take action now, sign the petition: www.opencouchsurfing.org/petition

Couchsurf photo exhibition in Montenegro

6th May 2007 by Bulatovic

An photo exhibition dedicated to couchsurfing idea and travels is going to take place in Herceg-Novi, Montenegro on 27th of may. Jason Brown (CS - JASONCONGA) will expose photos from his couchsurf travels and will be available to all visitors with his stories from different countries and couchsurfing experiences! Details about this happening can be found at the Meet chapter...http://www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html?mid=2274

CS member currently attempting to climb Mount Everest

1st May 2007 by Shor

David Klein, of Budapest is making his third attempt at climbing Mt. Everest. This time, he's attempting to summitt without the use of supplementary Oxygen. You can check his progress, or drop him some encouraging words at his website, www.expeditions.hu Wish him good weather, he's never been much for luck - Adam Shor

Save The Wild Bison Canada, Northern Bison Campaign

29th April 2007 by Buffalo

"Free Roaming Human- Cross-Country on Foot for Wild Bison" For Immediate Release- April 29,2007 Contact Kalanu Buffalo, kalanubuffalo@yahoo.com

Starting on May 15, 2007, former Buffalo Field Campaign volunteer and current Northern Bison Campaign Coordinator Kalanu Buffalo will be embarking from Victoria, B.C., on a cross-Canada walk in honour of wild bison in Canada and the United States.

"Few people are aware that there are wild bison left in North America." said Kalanu "Fewer still realize how threatened their future is. My goal; the goal of all wild bison activists, is to see wild bison roaming this continent again. I am embarking on this journey to spread the message that the buffalo need to roam, the buffalo need protection, our wild spaces need protection, and wildness itself needs to be honoured and respected above industry, development and domestication."

During this journey, the only non-foot transportation Kalanu will be taking will be the ferry from Victoria to Vancouver and the ferry from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland.

"The purpose of avoiding vehicle travel is to make a point that we want wild buffalo to re-populate this continent again, and we want them to do it on their own four feet, not in the back of a cattle truck."

If you would like to help provide Kalanu with accommodation or food along the way, or would like to arrange an interview or speaking engagement, please send an email to kalanubuffalo@yahoo.com. For more information on the Northern Bison Campaign, and to stay informed on the Free-Roaming Human journey, visit www.savethewildbison.org

For more information on the Buffalo Field Campaign, visit www.buffalofieldcampaign.org

CouchSurfer in Florida seriously injured in bicycle crash

27th April 2007 by Myors

Nancy Heinrich was seriously injured with possible brain injuries in a bike accident several days ago. She was starting on her cross-country bike trip from Sarasota, FL to St. Augustine, FL to San Diego, CA. The accident occured outside of Wauchula, FL. She was having problems towing her Bob Trailer behind her bicycle during headwinds. The Bob trailer fishtailed and made the bike crash. Nancy flew over the handlebar of the bicycle onto the pavement. If she wasn't wearing a helmet, she might not have survived the accident. Nancy had to be airlifted from Wauchula, FL to a major hospital in Tampa, FL. She had to have several CAT scans and a possible operation to relieve pressure on the brain. Also, possible facial cuts from broken glasses. The accident occured on her second day of her trip. More news will follow if I here anything.

Hitchiking the World- From Dream to Reality, not a penny on transport

23rd April 2007 by ShAi*

Since January 1st 2003, Ludovic Hubler, a 29 year old French graduate with a Master of Science in Management, has been touring the world by hitchhiking with the challenge of completing the tour without spending a single cent on transport. After more than 4 years with his thumb up for over 139,000km through 48 countries, he has now finally arrived in Mumbai.

Having appeared on over 30 TV stations and hundreds of newspapers across the world, he continues to share his experiences of hitchhiking 1,500 Kilometers of the Sahara desert, crossing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans on sailing-boats, traveling to Antarctica on an ice-breaker and navigating his way through guerilla warfare and checkpoints in Colombia.

In addition, Ludovic is involved in three humanitarian missions in Brazil, Indonesia & Central America, as well as in a "mentoring" project for French children with cancer. Having been invited to speak at over 200 schools, universities, and community groups around the world, his presentation covers variety of issues from globalization & environmental issues to more personal reflections & lessons learned on the road."

Ludo's Cs profile id is LUDOWORLD More information about the adventure is available on his website at www.ludovichubler.com, via this TV report : www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNu6ngZ8naQ or via the following interview : www.e-margaux.com/en/story/ludovic-hubler/

Eurohop to offer 30% Discount for CS members

20th April 2007 by Cisterna

Traveling Spain & Portugal? Eurohop! Spain & Portugal, the Iberian hop-on hop-off, offers all CS members a 30% discount on full prices. Just enter the promotional code CS0207 in the booking form and surf the Iberian Peninsula and its couches at your own pace. Eurohop! Spain & Portugal is a flexible transport network designed for the independent traveller and backpacker interested in discovering the Iberian Peninsula. The network allows travelers to customize their own adventure around 11 magnificent destinations: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Zaragoza, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Salamanca, Lagos and Lisbon with special links to Pamplona and La Tomatina. All Eurohop! Passes are valid for traveling from May 1st to October 31st.

Get the 30% off with promotional code CS0207 www.eurohop.es

Beijing to Paris 2007 Carfree event

18th April 2007 by B2PRix21

As a participant of the B2P event I seem to be the first one to join the CouchSurfing community and I'm really astounded by the possibilities that are created by that. I want to inform you through 2 links about the B2P rallye: First is the project group's website that you can find under beijingtoparis.com/ (in 4 languages). Many B2P members will be crossing Asia and Europe at different times and will certainly be happy about every CouchSurfer they can meet and talk to. I myself am starting in the opposite direction for several reasons. My website can be found under www.parispeking.de (bilingual, English & German). I hope that you too see this as an interesting project.

Daniel B2PRix21

An idea: Coucha Palooza World Fest 2007

13th April 2007 by KALAHEO

I've begun a topic for discussion and consideration that has far reaching benefits for CS organizational growth and public exposure. Look things over and see what you think. I didn't want to bring the topic into Brainstorm Group until specifics are more defined and the popularity of the event tested. http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=4100&post=180421#gp... BTW, I had one other key event pop up on radar (thanks Adrian) http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=800&post=179567 If planning and execution are done well over the next 10-11 weeks, we'll have something that puts CS on a world stage! Our activity stats will go through the roof I think. Please don't hesitate to participate in pros/cons discussion. I realize this kind of thing may take up to FIVE organization teams to pull off over a 25 week promotional period. Thanks for everyone's input on this.

Boston CSer to Bike Cross-U.S. for Affordable Housing Charities

26th March 2007 by Curtis

Starting June 7th, avid biker and active Boston CS member Terra Curtis will be leaving the comfort of employment and residence in Cambridge, Massachusetts (USA) to raise money and awareness for affordable housing. In order to do this, she will be biking from Providence, Rhode Island to Seattle, Washington - in total approximately 4,000 miles across the North American continent. She will be riding with a program called Bike & Build (www.bikeandbuild.org) along with about 30 other riders from all over the U.S. on this specific route. The program has 6 routes in all, and in total almost 200 people involved every summer. Bike & Build knows that biking across the country is enough to raise some eyebrows, but participants also raise awareness for the cause by giving nightly presentations in local communities and also by assisting at affordable housing construction sites. In order to fund the trip, every participant must raise at least $4,000 - approximately 50% of which goes to facilitate the ride (food, shelter, etc.), and the remaining 50% goes directly to local affordable housing organizations en route.

Terra has had great success thus far in her fundraising efforts, but she has not yet reached Bike and Build's $4,000 goal (nor her own $5,000 goal). She has set up a personal webpage (travellingterra.blogspot.com) where readers can become more informed of her trip, monitor her progress, and most importantly, donate to the cause. Both monetary and in-kind donations are welcomed. The program pre-arranges for accomodation (campsites, church basements, community centers), so the best way for the Couch Surfing community to become involved in Terra's efforts is to educate themselves on the affordable housing issue and to donate funds, kinds words, and encouragement!

Couch Surfer on verge of completion of South Asian Motorcycle Odyssey

8th April 2007 by Raghavendra

CouchSurfer Srinidhi Raghavendra and his partern Kishore Patwardhan started off on a South Asian Motorcycle Odyssey under the aegis of Borderless Bikers and are not on the verge of completing the tour. To know more about their tour please visit their website www.borderlessbikers.com.

Walk 4 Charity

4th April 2007 by Wieger

I have a walk i will be doing in May going from where I am living now to CA on foot hoping maybe i can get on the main site I am raising money for the children of major childrens hospitals i will be walking through that dont have any insurance and the Ronald McDonald House only takes care of part of the bill this will be for the familys who cannot afford to pay the bill i would like to see if I can get this published in Couchsurfing and try to get help for my journey across the US which I will be starting in AR going through OK,TX,NM,AZ and finally CA.

Developer chat launched on IRC

4th April 2007 by Macdonald

The CouchSurfing.com Tech Team has an IRC channel. On the Freenode network, #couchsurfing-dev. We hope that all CS developers will start to use the channel for informal discussion, developer chit chat, and hopefully even developer meetings. For more on how to access the channel and IRC in general see: wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/IRC

www.mynameisbill.com

23rd March 2007 by Granacki

Fellow couchsurfer Bill Bowles is broadcasting his travels to the world via an online podcast project. Bill has a talent for film and is using that talent to share his passion for travel, art and couchsurfing. Every day he posts a 2 minute podcast to share a part of his trip with us. Each video is accompanied by related links to the right. Couchsurfing.com has appeared next to the videos more than once on as Bill meets and stays with more of the CS world community. He's already stopped by Edinburgh and met members of the CS community here. You can check out his time staying with Couchsurfing hosts in Scotland at www.mynameisbill.com/20070314.html. If you are a fan of travel, art, couchsurfing, and the internet as a communication tool you'll enjoy these podcasts. He's off to Madagascar soon and I can't wait to see who he meets there!

New Members Greeting Group looking for Greeters

23rd March 2007 by Odhner

Would you like to give back to Couchsurfing? How about joining the New Members Greeters Group? We are in need for people that can greet new members in languages other than English; especially Polish, German, Swedish, French, and Spanish - if you are interested, please contact Amanda Odhner at this link! www.couchsurfing.com/profile.html?id=1NNXMGK

A Postcard for World Peace

22nd March 2007 by Azarethroy

Couchsurfer Beto Severino [www.couchsurfing.com/MASERAL] has spent the last 3 months on a "Postcard for World Peace” project. Its a simple idea of sending postcards with Peace messages to the world. All the received postcards are published on his blog: [postcardworldpeace.blogspot.com] At present, he has received more than 60 postcards from over 25 countries! Beto's mission is to "show that real people from every corner in the world want Peace! We want to raise our voices and generate an impact in individual’s views of life."

People are stranger ,when you are strange

22nd March 2007 by Shrestha

Is it hard to trust people? Is the world is as scary as it sounds?

Traveling always been my passion while its alone it’s more fun. After long wait I made up my mind to go for little fun out of my world, Nepal. I took my flight direct to Delhi on 27th February 2007. After I reach there I found Delhi true, furiously developed within a decade. As I talk to the people they said the Gurgaun, IT hub city, has changed its face just like that with in a decade while it was a dingy, village before, likewise the metro, the flyover bridges joining the other city had made Delhi in the hype of development and easiest for commuting.

Every corner of the city is in construction and nevertheless the tall number of buildings, sophisticated shopping mall in the outskirts of Delhi seems it is going to change its face sooner and for better. While I recall my memory I used to think Delhi to be as dirty, crowded as I’ve seen on television. But the moment I reached there I found true Delhi. Clean and sophisticated. Yet when you cross Delhi, Haryana is there holding its true village and same old village life, Guitha( briquette made of animal dung), camel, lakes, small rocky sides and large fields. One thing was to be noted, I saw good roads reaching out into the deep in the village. I find it confusing still. While I was ready for my flight back in Nepal, my father said be careful unlike foreign its danger. I wonder why my father said so. Isn’t India a foreign land? Or did he say purposely that South Asia is not still safe to travel alone.

No matter how, it is to my eyes still I think as you sow so you reap, as you treat people they treat you likewise. So did happen this time too. I know I’m good at talking people and treating them well and so do people talk to me and treat me well. While I was roaming in around Delhi, I met different people and the memorable time was in a park near Cannaught place. It was moment to remember because I saw people approaching to you with a recommendation letter from people around the world just to clean your ear. Young boys with small cups for tea and coffee while sitting in the park and endless talking to a tribal astrologer from Bangalore who said he had been traveling to the world with his skill in reading peoples fate charging $100 for an hour in U.S.A. With high interest in Nepal, then being only Hindu country he said he couldn’t get out of the shock for days when he heard Royal massacre. He was an interesting man to listen because I felt like watching movie clip since he was from south, he has a unique accent.

It was amazingly bargaining place at PalikaBazar. The underground market was full with fancy clothing wares, shoes to toy shops. It would be too hard to tell what it was like a Rs.2000 Salwar kameez, you could get it for Rs.200 buck. Initially they would tell you high price eventually if you intend to go out and see other shop they would give you tell you the price which would be hard for one to say no I don’t want your piece. Back in the park, while I was talking to the old man he showed me a vibrating brush which you can brush your hair as well as use it for body massage. Said the guy asked for Rs.400 and he got for Rs.50. I was stunned at his bargain because just half a hr. ago I got that same old thing for Rs. 100. I was not as smart as I must have been. But then I ease by saying to myself anyways I got Salwar kameez for Rs.200 bucks.

Other thing I must put into words which was another feel good thing was I made a call from a mobile cart. I called for which he said Rs.2 for a call. I thought the mobile cart phone service was better than the shop which cost me Rs.5 for the call before. So I made a call but then he said it’s Rs.6. I search my purse for six rupees fetch only two coin of one rupee of Nepalese and Indian currency and Rs.10 note of Nepalese currency. I didn’t have the change so I offer him Rs. 10 Nepalese Rupees he generously said that would be fine. I started moving towards Jantar Mantar, a monument. A young boy with colorful long bead mala approached to me said Rs. 10 each. I said I don’t need it. But the boy followed me so eventually I said can you give me for one rupee each. I got one of the things and gave him one coin I still had Nepalese one rupee coin I put my idea I have one Nepalese rupee can you make it another one for me. He was excited to get Nepalese Rupee and gave me two mala for exactly Rs.1.62. I found Delhi being Nepalese friendly and quite nice to travel alone because there was not need of an interpreter since I was communicating in English and if needed people would talk in Hindi as in turn I was answering in Nepali which didn’t seems too hard for them to understand. And moreover it was fun when people have wide, warm smile when they ask me where I was from. Most of the people I talk there had little connection with Nepalese and they were quite familiar with Nepal itself. I didn’t miss my place as much as I would if I had been traveling somewhere because Delhi has inhibited large no. of Nepalese. Every corner, shops or on the street I found Nepalese everywhere I go.

People are strange, when you are stranger

My parents didn’t like the idea when I said I want to see India on foot and the transportation system, like the railways. They thought I had hollow in my pocket so they gave me few cash for my airfare on my departure. Later I made my plan to visit Tanakpur and come through Mahendranagar on the bus. I know they would not like the idea me using the bus so far so didn’t correspond with them while I went out. I start my journey back to my place, early morn at 7:00 from Ananda Vihar, Delhi. As I was said the bus would start at 7 and by 3/ 4 in the noon it would reach to Banbasa. And I made my plan to reach by then and have a visit to Tanakpur for a hr. and by 6/7 I would head towards Mahendranagar.And when I reach my country there would be no problem to stay at least I knew the place little well. First it was being my home land and other being that I’ve already spent my days working there 5 years back. To dissuade me, the bus stuck into the traffic jam somewhere in Gaziabad. While we reach Banbasa it was already 9:00 at the night. SCENE: Me alone in the night with 3 young boys who were coming back to their place from Mumbai. While I ask them where were they going? Said they live near by the border of India and Nepal and it is just a matter of crossing the bridge, they reach home. While we were discussing and waiting for a rickshaw a policeman came, exactly at the moment I remember a typical Indian policeman with a danda. As he threat the rickshaw driver if he charges more than 10 rupees each he will be in trouble. As I find him at least an authorized person there in the middle of nowhere. I was stuck and didn’t know how far it was to get to Mahendranagar moreover I was only girl there. I know it is wise to save yourself than be into it and then try to save yourself. I promptly asked him if he was a police man, he said yes and he is on duty. OH! MY SAVER, Thank God! While I asked him how far it is to Mahendranagar he said it’s far and it’s impossible to reach by this time. He suggested me to stay in a hotel for the night and go by tomorrow morning after the gate opens. I thought it was a wise idea. People said there is a jungle, no lights on the side of Nepal and would be risky to move at this time. Since the boys had given me word after they cross the bridge they would shelter me for that night so I asked their view on staying in the Hotel. But they oppose saying the policeman were trying to scare us while it’s for sure we would be left with nothing if we stayed in Banbasa. Since looting, robbery is very common there. They also assure me of being able to reach their place that night if we cross the bridge. But how on earth would I jump on to their thought while I heard there’s a jungle and we do not have lights on the other side of the bridge. Then I thought, it’s better to be looted by a native than being Raped, Looted and then tortured by someone else like a typical Bollywood movies. However I agree on them and start on my journey with them by then one of the guy had convinced a rickshaw to get us to the bridge and eventually on the way they even convinced him to take us to their place while they would provide him shelter, dinner for the night and could return back in the morn and would even pay Rs.350 for the ride.

It was definitely bloodcurdling situation for me; first I being only girl on the move at that night and other thing the policeman with other three of his colleagues followed on the bike. Like in the typical Bollywood movie, any moment they would attack us and rob us or may be even rape me and then throw me in the river. Again my brain worked, I took out my hairbrush which vibrates, and I hide it under my shawl. I feel it’s so humorous now. But to that moment it was only weapon which could have scare them for a second or truly help me. The brush itself has a story behind which I already have mentioned. However it was a wise choice at last. To amuse me it didn’t turn out the way I thought, the policeman talk to the people at the gate and let it open and said till this border line you were on our security now you have to travel on your risk. We thank him for being so kind and professional. We move further now I had no fear yet I didn’t keep my hair brush in my luggage. I still had to get a bed to lie on. And why on earth would I entirely believe I’m safe?

It was 12 in the midnight we were still scrolling on rickshaw on the bumpy road until lastly we reached and we separated since one guy took me to his aunt’s place and heaven’s amusement they were playing loud music and dancing. It was a celebration of holi. The guy introduced me to his aunt and I can remember everyone were crowding me as if I’m an alien. May be they thought the guy brought a girl from Mumbai. The ladies insist me for a little fun. I said I was dead tired can u lend me a space to lie on? She understood how was I feeling and let me her bed. I do not know when the party ended. But All I know is somewhere around 4 in the morning I heard noise, people shouting for help, and then I remember the guy saying it might be possible of an elephant attack in the middle of the night. But I was literally exhausted and so sleepy even I was hungry, I could not accept the meal the lady offered me the other night. I made up my mind even if there is an attack I rather die than run or bulldoze my body. Yes I was alive; the attack was far in the village. Thank god we were untouched. However as usual early morn I have to go for toilet straight from my bed. So I tried to search in the house but couldn’t find one and that very time one of the daughters of the house came and said: DIDI jungle januhuncha? (Want to go to Jungle)Hell no, I’m in need of a toilet no sightsee this time. Then I was told the exact meaning of Jungle januhuncha?(want to go to Jungle) The lady offered me a glass of milk and roti. By then the rickshaw driver arrived and we bid goodbye to all of them and I thank everyone for being there on the bizarre night.

The whole trip was so weird that I spend a lot hr. with them I only know two boys name, the guy who lent me his aunt’s place, Vikram, a.k.a Sheru and the rickshaw driver Intejar, Whom I spoke while heading towards his aunt’s place and while returning the next morning, I realize Intejar was good on talking. He had well thought that if you do well, good thing happens to you. In fact, all the other three guys were with that well thought. I’m actually very selfish kind of person. I hardly could believe that all happened to me. But I came to realize that people are strange when you are stranger. There aren’t enough words for thanking them for the thing they did for me. Even in the future we may or may not meet but I have my lesson learned open yourself widely. Everyone is a friend to you. It doesn’t need much to help somebody.

By Bijita Shrestha P.O.Box8974cpc94 Anandapur Teenchuli Nepal hbcstaycool@yahoo.com 9841258452

Couch Surfing in Cooper Young

9th March 2007 by Louie

This week-end Cooper Young had the pleasure of hosting four Nomads of the Couch Surfing tribe. If you haven't heard of Couchsurfing.com go check it out. As a former roadrunner of sorts I find the concept f****** brilliant. Here's the deal; you register your couch on-line and then people who are traveling and need a place to crash can book your couch and vice-versa. Of course they have references and all that and you can decline a guest if you don't like the look of their profile or just don't have the schedule for it. They even have a section for musicians! No more sleeping in the van for lack of hotel funds!

Eric & Bob, of the Couch Surfing Show hail from Arizona and are both ex-marines. They were sent to me by way of Kellen Kjera, local Cooper Young photographer and CS host veteran, who'd been boarding them for about a week. Eric and Bob are Couch Surfing the entire WORLD! over the next two years. Episodes air weekly on Couchsurfing.com; be sure to check them out. They were both great guests; cleaned up after themselves and were very respectful to my home. Eric even offered to fix things around my house. Nikga and Emily are from San Francisco and did not actually couch surf at my house but spent most of their time at the Cooper Young Youth Hostel. I had a chance to visit with them over dinner. Emily showed me a fantastic device for women called the "pee-style". It basically allows a woman to pee while standing. Emily confided "It took a little getting used to and the first time I ended up pouring it backwards and p***** myself, but now it's great and can't imagine peeing any other way." More gadgetry for road life; I love it. Where as, Eric and Bob had been mostly Greyhound bussing from town to town Emily and Nikga were doing 'Ride Share' through Craig's list. This in combination with Couch surfing is almost too much to fathom! Not even the most zealous 'Dharma Bum' of the 50/60's could have imagined internet thumbing? One thing to remember when you're hosting a couch surfer- almost everyone they stay with wants to party and make sure they have a great time- so- before you plan out all sorts of festivities, ask first, they might prefer to just do laundry, eat a home cooked meal and sleep.

Here are a few related websites of interest: Couchsurfing.com, Craig'slist.com, Hostels.com, Rideshare.com, Icarpool.com, Thewaronthem.com

Stop the dolphin and whale killings in Taiji

7th March 2007 by Benabu

Help save the dolphins!The first link is a film and the second is the petition. The film is pretty full-on. http://www.glumbert.com/media/dolphin http://www.petitiononline.com/golfinho/petition.html

Couch Surfers with Disabilities

1st March 2007 by ELLYNPEACE

A brand new group has been formed called Couch Surfers with Disabilities. It is open to all who are interested in getting people from all over the globe help to make CS even better for anyone with any kind of disability/limitation/ difference. I am really glad to have non-disabled people in the group, since I hope to foster the understanding that people are all the same at heart & we all have something valuable to offer, if only we are willing to open the way.

Hopefully, many will join and we can work together to create ways of determining levels of accessibility, a working definition of accessibility for the CS community, and generally raising consciousness of the varying needs of disabled travellers, among other things. Looking forward to all we will accomplish together! Blessings, ellynpeace

Bank Rovers

22nd February 2007 by Wright

News article in Nijmegen University Magazine 'ANS' February 2007 Nijmegen University 'ANS' Magazine http://www.ans-online.nl/ans-februari-2007/bankrovers. You can download a copy of the Feb 2007 edition of 'ANS Magazine' in PDF Format via the Nijmegen University 'ANS' web-site at: http://www.ans-online.nl/podpress_trac/web/1572/0/ANSfebruari2007.p... Magazine feature is in 'Dutch' but Both links have contact details for Sjors Overman & Erik Dennisen who were the writers of the article, and can supply English translation.

Did Couchsurfing open your eyes?

20th February 2007 by Jeong

An anthropology major at Columbia University is writing her senior thesis on Couchsurfing. Specifically how couchsurfing and cross-cultural communication help to eradicate xenophobic fears. Did couchsurfing open your eyes in a surfing or hosting experience? She's hoping for some international response to this. Got time? Drop a line to http://www.couchsurfing.com/email.html?id=J8S6VA