Couchsurfing: a new way to meet foreigners and travel abroad

A new experience…
Last summer I discovered a new way to meet foreigners while at home, which is not so easy in the ordinary life.
I subscribed to Couchsurfing and offered travellers to spend a night at home.
Couchsurfing is a neologism referring to the practice of moving from one’s friend's house to another, sleeping in whatever spare space in available floor or couch. It’s based on the general culture of hospitality exchange.
I have been asked to provide information and a photo of myself so that the information improves the chance that someone will find me trustworthy enough to contact me and ask me to host him (or her ! ) .
And in July I was contacted by an Italian guy who wanted to spend a night at home during his trip , we exchanged some mails and mid-august I hosted this guy, Paolo who was cycling from North Italy to London . Useless to say he had a lot to tell about his unusual and athletic trip. I enjoyed this new experience !
If you subscribe to Couchsurfing you are not obliged to host somebody, you can also simply offer something, a meeting in a bar, a short visit of your town , or anything you would like to share with somebody else . ..

Hi Jean-Pierre,

Yes, you're quite right: Couchsurfing is a good way to meet nice foreigners and share their experience - they often have much to teach (re "philosophy").

Hi,
I did couchsurfing once.
I went through Spain, from Barcelone to Séville. I have always been hosted by Spanish couchsurfers and I think it's definitely the best experience i have ever had.
In 8 different cities, I met fantastic people, very generous and pleased to share their way of life, their culture and to have a walk in their city.
The best way to travel, for sure

Hi Moblo29, Gerard,Jean Pierre !
The Couchsurfing spirit is very interesting.  It is a fantastic way  to put ourselves in the shoes of the people who live in the countries we want to discover .