“CouchSurfing is an international non-profit network that connects travelers with locals in over 230 countries and territories around the world. Since 2004, members have been using our system to come together for cultural exchange, friendship, and learning experiences. Today, over a million people who might otherwise never meet are able to share hospitality and cultural understanding.
Our mission as an organization is to create inspiring experiences: cross-cultural encounters that are fun, engaging, and illuminating. These experiences take many forms. CouchSurfing’s initial focus was on hosting and “surfing” (staying with a local as a guest in their home). Alongside these core experiences, we now also facilitate a growing array of activities and events.
We have a vision of a world where everyone can explore and create meaningful connections with the people and places they encounter. Each CouchSurfing experience shared by our members brings us closer to that vision.” (*Adapted from http://www.couchsurfing.org/about.html)
Share of my Couchsurfing experience;
I still remember this day and moment pretty vividly. I met a girl from Trinidad and Tabago in a coffee parlour at The Heeren on Christmas Day, year 2008. I was sitting along on the cushion chairs in the parlour, exhausted from the throngs of people buying their last minute presents. I started talking to her, as she was on the other seat in front of me. Since we were both ourselves at the time and I had some time in my have, I decided to show her around Orchard. She told me about a travel website; Couchsurfing, where you can meet new friends. That night, I signed up and explored the website, joining the Singapore group. I was skeptical of it at first, but I was all up for trying something new.
The first gathering I went to was at Zsofi’s Tapas Bar in Little India, Singapore. I helped organized it with a travelling Spaniard, Alvaro. He was the first CSer (as what we call ourselves) I have met, upon registering myself. That night was FANTASTIC. The people I met that night, they were amazing, warm and friendly. They were like best friends coming together after 10 years. It was so easy to approach anyone there. And then I got ADDICTED!!!
From then on till now (August 2010), I have made the best of friends. Something that money can NEVER EVER buy. If I were to be asked, what’s the best thing that ever happened to me, I would say, “Couchsurfing!”. No doubt, I would not hesitate. It has changed my life and my perspective of life. Made me realize, “what the hell am I doing here?”. Priceless experience!
catchili.wordpress.com 