COUCHSURFING

One of the things I started doing last year this time was being a Couchsurfing host. I usually do this when I am not dating anyone regularly (as it does impose on privacy) and just get a need to have some "Kids " around... so I host mostly travelling college girls to fill my need to be a Mum once in awhile. Couchsurfing is an international networking site for people who love to travel (or meet those who do). It is intended to be a cultural exchange and a means to allow people to travel at less expense-- as you don't charge for letting them stay with you (although they usually bring me some wine, or chocolate or make a meal- although a Brazilian girl treated me to Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall (which was fabulous!)when she came back a 2nd time). I have had guests from Taiwan, China, France and the U.S. You can go almost anywhere and look up hosts in an area for a place to stay.It is great to have someone tell you where to go in an area and how to get around and mutually share cultures.
I started hosting last year when I thought I might need a place in Rome to meet Arisia when she thought she'd meet her boyfriend there while he was playing in an orchestra for a few weeks.
That didn't happen- so I then thought I should host people to get good "references" for future travels of my own.
Although I mostly host young girls travelling alone or in pairs- I have had a mother and her 23 yr old son from Australia-(they travelled all through Europe and to Egypt mostly couchsurfing!)- and recently a 25 yr old girl and her mother from Brazil.Everyone who've stayed have been delightful. I have a special surrogate " daughter", Andrea- who is from Hamburg.She's stayed twice and is now studying art this semester in England- so hope to see again. Several others have come back a second time. Sometimes I go out with them to a pub or do some shopping or site seeing-- but as usually here during the week- I tend to cook for them (sort of) and just provide them with a safe comfy haven. I have a good size sofa bed and all modern conveniences here.Much nicer than a hostel !! They all seem to love me and I do feel good knowing they are safe. As for ME going "surfing "- I did it once- just for place when I had to go to a training a bit aways. Haven't had the time or money to go elsewhere on my own- but I am definitely thinking of it this summer- if only around England. There are not too many of us mature "surfers"- but there are a few. I also made friends with another local host, Ian-(52) who is now a very special (GBF)friend (except he is travelling all the time !!) People literally can go around the world this way if they plan things out properly. So we'll see....but in the meantime, I enjoy the company. Despite my unconventional lifestyle at times- I still enjoy being a " Mum and a Chum". So check out Couchsurfing.org.