Don't Be a Negative Nancy

Ok, so I'm back from couch surfing, but the posts will continue even if you are uninterested in my regular, non-couch surfing life.

I know what some of you may be thinking: Hey Evan, thanks so much for torturing yourself at our expense for three days in a city you've never been to, with people you've never met. I just booked my room at the Sheraton.

Maybe not all of you are thinking that, but if you are here's my advice: Don't.

There is no doubt there were times I was uncomfortable (physically and emotionally). There were a couple times I was a bit nervous, especially on my trip over to the first house. But getting out of my comfort zone made the trip what it was. No, my trip to Philly was not traditional, but I say memorable trumps traditional any day.

I think the main point is that staying with people gives you a new and different perspective on any city. I mean, who knows a city better than those living in it? The best way to get to the heart of a city, if you really want to, is through the people. Obviously it's impossible to get everyone's version, but couch surfing is a good way to get a sample size.

I talked with Ed quite a bit about his experiences with couch surfing and why it works. He had some interesting points. At it's base, couch surfing fulfills a basic need for hospitality. But at another level it is also provides a unique connection between people. It's often difficult to go to a bar or a museum or a restaurant and establish a bond with complete strangers. Couch surfing builds that bridge.

So yes, I had some what we'll call interesting experiences. Others might call it dangerous or foolish. I will say this: I was never in a position where I felt threatened or unsafe. I know staying with two people doesn't encapsulate every person, but from couch surfers I've talked to, the feeling is generally mutual.

So there may be discomfort at first, and why shouldn't there be? You are putting a lot of blind faith into a person you don't even know. But the tradeoff is assuredly going to be a lot of good stories, a lot of experiences (good or bad), and even in some cases lasting friendships, potentially all over the world.

Coming soon: My tips on couch surfing.

- Evan

Home Sweet Home

I just got back to Syracuse. I'm looking at my bed in a whole new way.

I'm realizing I didn't give much info about Ed. He's 26 (about to turn 27). Within a half hour of walking in the door, Ed had made me a mojito with fresh mint leaves he picked from his parents' garden in New Jersey. He also insisted on buying the first round on account of his own couch surfing tradition. I guess you can throw journalistic ethics out the window.

Ed works as a waiter for a catering company in Philly, but he loves to write. Honestly, we got along great. He was very knowledgeable about everything from sports to politics to travel. He calls himself a "cultural omnivore," in the sense that he loves to explore the cultural impact in every sector of society. He offered some great insights and an awesome look at the Philly nightlife. It was also quite the contrast between the day with Judy and the night with Ed.

When I told Ed I had revealed his shirtless sleeping habits he just laughed and said, "Yeah, I sleep in the raw. You're just lucky you didn't get the whole show."

One interesting note I found out about Ed when he woke up. I noticed that he had a ton of wine and champagne corks lying around his room, and even more stowed away in bags. I asked him about it, and he said he's been collecting them from work since December. He now has over 2,000 of them. When I asked him why, he said he plans to build some sort of sculpture and call it the "cork mahal." One problem: He's still trying to figure out how to connect them together, since glue isn't working.

After Ed woke up (probably due to my incessant typing), we agreed a breakfast cheesesteak at John's Roast Pork would settle the Pabst. I know everyone says Geno's is the best, but Ed thought something with a less touristy feel would be good. I don't know how they make 'em at Geno's, but I know the cheesesteak at John's made my headache disappear.

And with that, I said my goodbyes to Ed and all of Philly. I would have taken a run up the Rocky stairs, but something tells me that heaving in front of the art museum, trying to hold back cheese steak, would only tarnish Rocky's reputation.

Stay tuned tomorrow for some more follow up.

- Evan

Can't Sleep

It's 9:30 a.m. and I've been tossing and turning for an hour now, so I'm giving up hope of any more sleep. I woke up to the sun burning a hole through my head, a low ringing in my ears and the feeling that someone took a jackhammer to my skull.

I blame this almost exclusively on the 2 a.m. nightcap Ed excitedly suggested last night at yet another dive bar called Bob and Barbara's. They specialize in what's called the 'City-Wide Special." For three whole dollars one can purchase a 12 oz. Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Jim Beam. It's one of those deals where you're still paying for it hours later in other ways.

On a side note, I witnessed a rock, paper, scissors tournament at a place fittingly called Dirty Franks. Apparently this is a city-wide tournament which starts every April. They keep real statistics, and the champion gets a $1,000 prize. Here's the website if you want to check it out.

Now to what you are all waiting for.

The couch.

It's actually a very nice couch and reasonably comfy (see picture). It's almost out of place in this room because it looks like something you might find in an upscale living room that's more for show than for actual living. Still, I'm two-for-two when it comes to sleeping in the bedroom, and if it's of interest to any of you, Ed's definitely sleeping shirtless.

It's a good thing it was comfy however, because there were little in the way of amenities. Ed passed out instantaneously after proudly proclaiming "So, I'm trashed," on the street moments before. After a quick scan of the room, I'm not finding any pillows or blankets, so I rolled my sweatshirt in a ball and was out just the same (again, thank you "City-Wide Special").

If time allows, today's mission might include a hunt for the best cheesesteak.

- Evan

Out on the Town

Night two of couch surfing so far has been much different than night one.

Ed showed me around his part of the neighborhood, which is really what I was looking forward to. We went to a couple of his choice dive bars which were full of smoke, but very fun. I met some random people from all over Philly, and it was a great experience.

As promised, there should be a picture attached to this post which best represents the intimacy of last night.

Look for more tomorrow.

- Evan

Day Two

Apologies if I was unclear last night. As you might imagine, my thoughts were rushed/clouded.

Laura did not have a couch nor a living room. Her apartment went directly up into a kitchen and then there were rooms scattered throughout. Unless I wanted to sleep in the hallway, the bedroom was the only option.

I didn't get a chance to ask her if that is standard practice. I woke up early to meet somebody, and she was not getting up. I will say this: when I woke up she did have a shirt on, but I would bet my life she did not when I came in last night.

I hardly slept a wink. Laura snored a lot (don't worry, I have audio), and her room was like a sauna. Worse, every time I shifted on the bed, the fan unplugged itself. I'd say I got one or two hours at a time, at most.

Anyway, the reason I haven't posted all day is because I was out with this woman Judy Becker. I met Judy at 9:30 this morning and got done with her at 8:30 tonight. This woman has been to over 100 countries, traveled the world three times and had more stories than we had time. She's 69 and I honestly think she is the inventor of couch surfing.

By 8 p.m. I was at her house looking at the "museum" she had there--artifacts from practically every country in the world. Don't get me wrong: this woman was interesting, but I was drained by the time I left. We looked at every bit of historical Philly (of which she knows as much as any tour guide), and then had dinner at some Indian restaurant, where she regaled me with tales of her trips, which included near murders, adoption, and the first time she was high.

Finally I arrived at the home of my couch surfing host, Ed, at 9:30. He was a sight for sore eyes after I took a wrong turn and had a lovely gentleman ask me if I wanted any of the following: weed, cocaine or Oxycontin (or, at least, that was all that was audible).

Ed seems like a great guy though. Very normal and laid back. The couch I am sleeping on is also in his room, but his room is big enough so we aren't spooning...yet.

I'll try and post before I go to bed with more stories.

- Evan

P.S. I will try to get some pictures up tonight, to better illustrate my point.

Taking Couch Surfing to a New Level

It's almost 1 a.m. and I'm pretty sure I'm the only one in the world in this current position.

Right now I am preparing to sleep literally two feet from a complete stranger.

I'll briefly start from the beginning. I arrived at Laura's at roughly 7 p.m. after a long drive with a lot of traffic. She and I drove around, talked and prepared for a bonfire that she was setting up.

An hour later the bonfire was nixed and Laura was feeling ill. Still, she was kind enough to drive me into the city, and later throw the keys down to me when I returned.

Which brings me to my current position. Laura was kind enough (and perhaps crazy enough) to open up her room to me. She normally sleeps on a single mattress. Earlier this evening she and I dragged another one in her room, placing them virtually side by side.

Ever been in a total stranger's room, close enough to count the breaths between each snore? Lesson #1: Couch surfing gets you out of your comfort zone. Way out.

Oh, I nearly forgot to mention. I'm pretty sure she is topless, although it's too dark for confirmation.

Seriously, I couldn't make this up if I tried.

Stay tuned for more.

- Evan

Safety First

Here's one quick post before I leave.

When I have explained to people what I am doing, the most common reaction is: "What are you? Stupid? You're going to get killed!"

Obviously the primary concern with this whole couch surfing concept is safety, and I figured I'd go over how the website handles that.

Essentially there are two systems in place. The first is a verification system represented by a little lock symbol with either a one, a two, or a three next to it. Each represents a level of verification, and there are steps to go through so it can be verified that you are whom you say you are. Each step involves more accurately verifying either your name or your address.

The second system is a "vouching system." This is where couchsurfing members can vouch for you, thus bolstering your credibility. The only way to become vouched for is to be extremely trusted by someone who has been vouched for by three other members. Then once you have been vouched for three times, you can vouch for others. That still means someone, at some point, has to take a risk and host or stay with a person not yet vouched for. So there is still an immense amount of trust involved.

So, even after days of being tortured with various scenarios created by friends, roommates and family, I'm not completely scared yet, but check back tonight. Things might have changed.

- Evan

And So it Begins...

Alright. After a whole lot of emails and a few phone calls, I've got my couch surfing schedule pretty much ironed out. Although, I must admit, it was a little harder than I anticipated. Who knew crashing with a perfect stranger could be so difficult.

I'm hitting the road for Philadelphia tomorrow morning and I should get there mid-afternoon. Monday night I'm staying with Laura Melizyaev, who lives in the art museum area of Philly. Laura has had an account on couchsurfing.com for over a year now, so hopefully she'll have some colorful stories.

Tuesday night I'm planning on staying with Ed Weinberg, who lives in South Philly (I'm saying this as if I know where that is). Ed hasn't returned my calls yet so we'll see how that pans out, but I've still got a day or two to work it out.

Last note: If weather permits, I'm getting a tour of Philly from Judy Becker. Judy is 69 years old and according to her profile she's been to 112 countries so far. When I talked to her earlier she had just come back from a trip. She also offered to show me the museum she's made in her house. "Mostly dolls," she said. Interesting...

Stay tuned for the good stuff.

- Evan