I have been hosting travellers (strangers into friends) for a quarter of a century. My young son learned a lot from having people from all over the world sleeping in our spare bed, on the couch or even camping on the lounge room floor!
https://www.couchsurfing.com/people/gordon-walker-1
I have only ‘surfed’ other people’s couches 3 times. Once each in Sweden, Norway and Australia. I decided to try and see if people would host me in the UK and Europe. It’s difficult when you’re a 67 year old male travelling by yourself, but having this travel blog apparently helps hosts make a decision. My excellent references from surfers help too.
I’ve been blown away by the response.
Hosts from four towns in England, as well as France, Belgium, Nederlands, Germany, Denmark and Sweden have said yes to have this crazy Aussie traveller come and stay. It’s heartwarming, especially given the parlous state of the world today, that people still open their homes to fellow travellers.
Hosts who host a lot, like me, are almost always serious travellers themselves. They are never tourists, and love to join me down the back-alleys of the world to see the insides of a country, region and people.
I am surprised, and thankful. This trip will be epic.
Gordie's Travels 