Tuesday 28 November 2006

Couchsurfing (this time in Vienna!)


I don't know how many of you readers have heard of couchsurfing, but if you haven't - well, it's time for me to praise it like I should in return of all the travel opportunities it has given me. Members of couchsurfing.com can travel and stay for free virtually anywhere in the world provided they are willing to put up with staying on someone's couch and deal with other minor inconveniences.



Personal experience? My history with couchsurfing includes four nights in the centre of Moscow (with a set of keys and a beautiful bedroom) and a night in Vienna in one of the most retro-styled apartments I have ever seen. Everyone I have ever met through this website was welcoming, well-traveled, and honest. This is not to say that I would necessarily be ready to do it on my own with any given member, as this gives a lot or room for error, but I think that if you're traveling with a friend and find someone who has a very good record - well, for me it's a why-not kind of thing. When I first used this website I was (and still am) completely taken aback with people's ability to open their homes to almost complete strangers. I find it truly remarkable that so many people from all over the world have created a network of give-and-take of trust and hospitality.

2 comments:

Kate said...

Where is the link?

Who is the painting lady? You had time to visit an art class?!

Love the last pic -- gorgeous!

Paulina Wojnar said...

oh, sorry - forgot to post the link - i'll do it right now...

the painting lady was just some lady i started talking to in a museum in vienna - she didn't mind me shooting, so i did:)