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Hey,

I have used couchsurfing myself extensively, both abroad and in the United States. I am journalism student at the Univerisity of Oregon and this summer I actually did an indipendent study that relied heavily on couchsurfing.org and staying with strangers I met during my trip. My objective was to create a website where I could post interviews I gathered from people, about opinions on the BP oil spill, while hitch hiking to New Orleans. I found that people were more willing to help a total stranger when I had an objective. Many allowed me to stay days at a time, and also gave me rides around to complete my project and gather interviews.

I met other couch surfers, and hitch hikers along the way and what I found made people trust them was the connection seeking. It seemed that most people just wanted to create connections with strangers and help them because it was a chance to share the environment they live in. It's like inviting a guest into your house, except more on community level. During my trip, while I was in Phoenix, I was able to talk to the real locals who grew up there. They described how the lifesyle has changed with sprawl, and wanted to explain to someone the history of the area. 

Couchsurfing and hitchhiking gives many people a great oppurtunity to share experiences with a totalyl new and receptive person. A great place to start is couchsurfing.org.

Parker

Theroadreporter.com

posted 2 years, 6 months ago
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