Couch Surfing culture
I decided to try out Couch Surfing during my trip to California. Couch Surfing is a social network used for people to stay with others when they are traveling. I didn’t just want to use it to save money from hotels, but also to meet some locals and possibly do some professional networking if I could surf with some people involved in web/graphic design.
I knew that Couch Surfing culture is pretty involved with really developing friendships, but I didn’t realize the extent until I started looking for a host to surf with. The first few email request I sent out were unsuccessful. One guy advised me to say more about myself and to write a more sincere request. I tried that but still no luck. One reason it was difficult for me to find a host is because I had no references having never surfed before. Then another guy, who worked at Google, advised me to request to surf not just one night like I had been doing but two night. He said asking to surf one night can give the impression that you are not that interested in the company of that person, but just want a place to stay. I had sent out about 20 request, but still no luck. I’d given up on emailing people with similar interest, I was starting to think it wasn’t going to work. I would be in California in 5 days.
Finally I got a hit. A less that desirable host said he would take me in for two nights. I say less desirable because he had no references and his profile had barely any information on it. I figure I had no references, he has no references, that makes us even. When I got to San Francisco and was headed to his house on the subway I got a bad sign. He sent me the text, “I haven’t told my roommate or girlfriend about you, so if anyone ask we are old friends.” I didn’t like that at all and almost backed out but didn’t. I responded saying, “How do we know each other?” Coast Guard, he says. When I get there his house is pretty nasty. Next to my couch were a mountain of Playboys about 2 feet tall. His roommate did ask me how I knew him and I had to tell some ridiculous lie about my being in the Coast Guard. Other that that, the host, his roommate, and girlfriend were all really nice people, we went to see The Watchmen.
After getting my first reference I was able to land more couches up and down the coast, but only in the largest cities. Everyone was very friendly and anxious to show me around town. I made a couple friends that I will definitely keep up with and cant wait until I have the opportunity to host. This entry was posted in Random and tagged california, couch surfing. Bookmark the permalink.