An Interview with a Nomadic Ambassador

Nomadic Ambassador DJ AJAM is currently couchsurfing...the world! He has recently opened his own "CouchSurfing shop" on his website, with all profits going to CouchSurfing.com. He shares some thoughts with us about couchsurfing, travel and life.

1. Hi Adam, could you tell us about yourself?

I'm a 28 year old from Bolton, Manchester England. Started DJing when I was 17, became professional when I turned 22, a year exactly to the day my dad passed away. For the last 6 years since then I've been DJing all over Europe as a career as well as working for a record distribution company for 5 years promoting and selling vinyl records all over the world. Whilst working I did a BA in Film Writing and Creative Writing in Manchester, part-time. In the second year of my degree my mum passed away sending me almost to the brink of depression. Somehow i pulled myself out, returned to finish my degree and now I'm pursuing the noble career as a writer.

2. How did you hear about CouchSurfing?

A friend of mine, who is also now a couchsurfer took a 1 year pre-planned trip around the world. Whilst in Asia, he met a guy from America who was using cs. He knew it would be the kind of thing I'd jump on, when he returned he gave me the website and I was hooked immediately.

I hosted in my house for over a year, never actually surfing myself, however after hearing all the stories from my guests, my desire to travel exploded ever more.

3. And what do you do now?

I quit my job to become a professional writer as well as DJing any opportunity I get. I now class myself as a world traveler, hopefully the next modern-day Hemingway currently exploring every country & writing the first book about couchsurfing the world.

4. Couchsurfing the world? For how long? How will you afford it?

After losing both my parents, my sister and I inherited the family house, I had to decide if I wanted to keep it or not which meant getting a mortgage for half the estate to give to my sister. The other option was to sell everything and use the money for the trip of a life time. The hardest decision of my life, however I'll only regret the things I didn't do right!

I plan to travel for 5 years, I'm in no rush, the last year i will spend writing the book and getting it published etc.

5. But what's left to do after doing the trip of a lifetime?

If the books a success then maybe I'll buy a boat and sail around the world, hosting people as i go, we can sail out to sea and crack up the music real loud. Also I've been writing a film trilogy for the last 5 years and a TV Series so I've plenty to crack on with. The book will hopefully give me the voice i need to break into the film industry. I'd like to start a family I guess at some point, not just yet though, I've the whole world to see.


6. Are you worried that CouchSurfing will change or not even last the length of your trip?

Yes, maybe it will change slightly, finally sell out to a big corporation, i hope i can complete my book before that happens if it does. I know that the admins work round the clock to keep the site running and the temptation of such an offer would be hard to knock back. I'm not thinking of the future too much, or the past, I'm living in the now and theres no better feeling than that.

7. So back to the trip. How's it going so far? Good/bad experiences?

Truly amazing, I've had so many wonderful experiences, I've attained over 5000 emails which i send my journal too, receiving copious amounts of replies from my readers about how much they are enjoying it. I'm growing as a writer everyday. I've not had any really bad experiences, more a case of some couchsurfers are more involved than others, to them its more than just having someone staying in their house, its about sharing, welcoming, creating bonds of friendship stretching across the globe that last forever. When I meet tourists, I find myself giving them advice that I've learnt from my hosts, priceless info you can't learn from Lonely Planet and tour guides.

8. Where do you have the time to couchsurf, write and respond to 5000 emails?

Sleep is the cousin of death they say, I guess i don't sleep much, I'm a good organizer of my time, and I'm quick to reply to emails, I used to work 8 hours a day back home like everyone else, without this commitment I've plenty of time to do what needs to be done to make my project as successful as possible.

9. I heard you're promoting Couchsurfing. How do you do that, besides surfing?

Proceedings of each book sold will be donated to CS keeping the website alive and hopefully away from membership funds and advertising. I'm hoping to donate a dollar per book. If every couchsurfer bought a copy you do the math, it would keep cs alive for a very long time. I hope to donate the largest sum in the CS history. Everyone I meet in the street I tell them of my project and introduce them to CouchSurfing. Although I do speak to everyone I meet I'm very particular about who I think would make a good CS member. After traveling for almost 8 months, I know how important it is to have the correct personalties and attitudes for the growth of our CS family.

10. So what do you think "Couchsurfing" is? Just a free couch or something else?

It's way more than a free couch, it helps travelers not only save money but utilise there time wisely, sometimes I've been lucky and my hosts have taken me to the places I wanted to visit instead of having to get a tour, its also a great insight into how places differ, how families live together, on occasion I get to try home made food from all around the world. also i feel safe knowing I have a host as soon as I get off the plane or bus, i don't have to worry about my belongings etc. Deep down CouchSurfing is a spiritual organisation, even in this world of fear and terror there are people out there that want to reach out and greet strangers into there home, even the parents of some of the hosts I've stayed with welcome the idea, liking the thought of having young people come and go from all around the world.

11. And do you think that CouchSurfing is really "changing the world"? Or is it just another traveler website?

It's changed my world for sure, I would have traveled regardless but couchsurfing reduces a big part of the stress and worry. It also leaves me with a friend in every country that I can always revisit making my world a smaller place.

12. How do you think CouchSurfing differs from other social networking sites?

First of all the security is way better than anything I've used before, the actual site is much more professional than similar sites and constantly being modified based on the members input, and what I like most about CS is that you actually go about making plans to meet people rather than chat nonsense in cyberspace. the site shows a different kind of dedication to a purpose than other sites which are filled with profiles showcasing fake relationships with people they have never met. Also at the moment CouchSurfing doesn't demand a joining fee, lets hope it stays that way and members continue to give donations instead.

13. Absolutely. Now, tell me about your Couchparty gigs. What's that about?

With me DJing for free, its a great way to do a party, inviting the local CS members together to meet one another and grow as a community. Some clubs have donated free bottles of spirits to me which i share with the members, the parties we have had so far have been great, I hope to make them bigger as I travel, maybe even one day making a global event..

14. Sounds exciting! Now, I heard something Couchsurfing T-shirts for sale. Can you give details?

The shop is now up and running! All commision charges will be donated to CouchSurfing every month. Check it out on-line..

15. So how much will the T-shirts be? And what percentage of sale price goes to CS?

All prices are on-line, on average about 3-4 dollars of each item goes to CouchSurfing, the rest covers the cost.

16. Thanks Adam. So where are you now? And where to next?

Now in Panama, I'll be here about a week then hit Colombia. After that, my next continent's South America.

DJ Adam's profile can be found here.

Roy Abraham

Surfing Between the Border Lines

"Surfing Between the Border Lines" (working title), an independent, feature-length documentary film exploring the growing phenomenon of couchsurfing is currently in pre-production. Three filmmakers and newbie couchsurfers will spend three months couchsurfing the globe while filming their experiences to share with the world. Making use of interviews, found footage, newscasts, and live action sequences, "Surfing" is a film that will take audiences on an epic journey across hemispheres, time zones, and border lines to explore the possibilities of what can happen when strangers meet and decide to be anything but.

Directed by Rachel Evans, a couchsurfing member from Chicago, Illinois, "Surfing" is set to begin filming in late July of 2007. The filmmakers will travel between New Zealand and Iceland and all points in between. This film will mark the entire film crew's inaugural experience with couchsurfing and will not only chronicle their journey but will seek to situate the phenomenon of couchsurfing within modern culture and to dissect its social relevance, causes, and implications for the future and to discover what, if anything, the world at large can learn from this collective of people.

"I'm fascinated with this concept of pay-it-forward social hosting," says Rachel. "That something like this exists against the backdrop of a world in which there is a growing media-supported trend of both personal and national paranoia and in which most people no longer even know the names of their neighbors is supremely interesting to me both as an American and as a member of a rapidly globalizing society."

A website for the film is set to launch in mid July. Until that time, anyone with questions, suggestions, or a wish to donate much needed funds to the film can email Rachel directly through the couchsurfing.com website - her user name is raeevans. Anyone interested in hosting the crew and participating in the film may also contact her through the site.

Rachel Evans

Discover Estonia during Pärnu beach camp

Estonia, as a small country alongside the Baltic Sea does not very often stay on the routes of travelers. However, there’s a special reason to visit this little country very soon now, because of the big HC/CS camp held from 28. June until 1. July.

The camp is organised by a little group of enthusiastic Estonians who want to bring together many like-minded people, share the cultures and friendship. The dates for the camp have been chosen carefully, because when the camp is over, there’s a brilliant opportunity for the campers to head to Tallinn and see estonian traditional Song and Dance Celebration.

Camp itself have two full-days, from which one is concentrated on Estonian culture, other day on all the other cultures that meet up in the camp. Program contains little concerts, movie-night, folk-dancing and much more.

Probably the most enchanting about this camp is the place – isolated beach and naturally beautiful camping area in the middle of the pines. People fond of hiking can find much to discover in the surroundings of the camp place.

Even though the camp starts in less then a week, it’s still not late to register. More information is provided on the webpage www.hceesti.ee

Katrin Niisuke

The urban adventure: 17 days of hospitality exchange

During the second half of August, the worldwide hospex community will participate in a unique cultural project in Bremen/Germany. For the duration of 17 days our bunch of friendly people reaches out its helping hands to redesign an entire seven storey building and to foster internationality among the participants. The living complex consists of 110 accommodation units that will be teared down after the project. This in turn means that there are simply no limits to imagination and creativity. Members can sign up under: hc-goes-sproutbau.piranho.de The only restrictions are that members have to stay for at least 5 days and that there is only place for 10 members per day, so be quick!!!

- polarfox

Mexico Couchsurfers open doors (and couches) to the world

As the biggest event worldwide for the celebration of cultural diversity and international dialogue nears its opening day, the local Couchsurfing community of Monterrey, Mexico is ready to receive all the CSers that will take part in the activities of the 2nd Universal Forum of Cultures.

The Forum is a non-profit, global, civil society event that seeks to promote cultural diversity, cooperation, dialogue and celebration of the richness of our modern world. Local CSers have been deeply involved in the organization of this event, the follow up to the Universal Forum of Cultures Barcelona 2004, and have begun to organize a series of CS events and meetings for all the travelers that will visit the city during the 80-day event.

This event is free, and is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to present inniciatives to make this world a better place and Couchsurfing is an important part of this project. We want also to take the opportunity of this event to present CS to the almost 1.5 million attendents to the Forum, and will be organizing events sponsored by the local CS community.

For more info on the event click on www.monterreyforum2007.org

- Adrian Monfort

Bula Fiji first major event a success!!

Bula Fiji, which is the Fiji CS Collective, had our first major get together last weekend. We were excited and honored to be joined by fellow German CS, Jörg Wimper and Lene Juergens. On Friday, July 6th everyone who is based in the capital of Suva traveled down to the jet set town of Nadi for what was the beginning of a weekend filled with, sun, sand, laughter and a great cultural exchanged. The tiny room that we all bunked in didn’t dampen the spirit (in fact this made it more fun) as we shared jokes, stories, ideas and laughter. The highlight was the day cruise to the popular Beachcomber Island where we all indulged in a cocktail of swimming, kayaking, parasailing, beach volleyball and exchanging more stories & ideas on how we could improve CS in Fiji. Bula Fiji member Fenton Lutun organised this first major get together and more exciting ones are already planned for the upcoming months.

Losana & Simon McGowan-Greaves

europAlive : A documentary about today's and tomorrow's Europeans

A project is taking shape in Europe, aiming at connecting people with each others through a documentary taking place in all the 27 EU countries.

The challenge here is to travel to all European capitals (or main cities) in order to make filmed interviews from different categories of people, who represent most of each country's population : students, workers, housewives, jobless, homeless, artists, businessmen and retired persons, for the most general panel.

The idea is to go and meet these people and ask them the same questions,so that it's possible to compare our answers and share our visions with everyone else in the EU and abroad. No budget, only volunteering work, as Couchsurfing demonstrates through its members it can be a reality in a cynical, money-driven world.

aRno Jullien

Mongol Rally 2007

On 21 July 2007 I Sam Brettingham, 21, a Sustainable Design student at Falmouth University College and my team mate James Binning, 20, an architecture student at Cambridge University, will travel from Hyde Park in London, to the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar as participants of the 2007 Mongol rally. The Mongol Rally will take us and another 199 teams on a journey of nearly 10,000 miles – a third of the way across the world. Participants will be driving on the worst roads imaginable, pass through five mountain ranges and cross three deserts on the way, all in cars with one litre engines or less. The mighty steed in which we have decided to drive in is a Suzuki SJ410.

We will be leaving London on the 21st July and driving to Prague for the 22nd where there will be a fantastic party and gathering of all those taking part. Our route will take us south through Turkey, hugging the Black sea, into Georgia, Azerbaijan, across the Caspian sea in to Turkmenistan and then north through Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and finely into Mongolia. If there is anyone along the way who would be willing to put two smelly yet charming travelers up for a night we would be greatly appreciated, otherwise it will be sleeping in the jeep! Do get in touch.(jb561@cam.ac.uk)

The Mongol Rally isn’t only about the adventure and having a memorable experience though. Last year’s event raised over £200,000 for its partner charities and in 2007 the Rally is expected to hit the target of a quarter of a million pounds. The principle charity is Mercy Corps, an international development organisation, which supports rural communities and herding families in Mongolia through a range of economic, educational and agricultural programmes.

With help we hope to raise £1000 for Mercy Corps and any contribution to the cause has been greatly appreciated. There is also an opportunity for team sponsorship, if anyone is interested don’t hesitate to get in touch.

For online donations to Mercy Corps go to www.justgiving.com/samboandjimbo and for more information about the Mongol Rally visit www.mongolrally.com (here you can also find a list of all participating teams) and for our team web site take a look at www.rally.microbros.com.

Sam Brettingham

New Couchsurfing documentary

Filmmaker Derek Antonio Serra plans to shoot a documentary on the couchsurfing phenonema over the next two years. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Serra will host travellers in his hometown as well as couchsurf himself, and capture these experience on HD video.

In July he will be hosting surfers in Cape Town, as well as meeting up with other surfers being hosted by CS2 members in the city. Serra's first couchsurfing trip will take him to Malaysia, Phillipines and Indonesia in August/September this year, where he hopes to be hosted by couchsurfing enthusiasts. The documentary will thus carry the perspectives of both hosts and surfers,

So, if you live in South Africa, Malaysia, Phillipines or Indonesia, or plan to visit Cape Town, and would like to participate in this documentary, please check out Derek Serra's profile at www.couchsurfing.com/people/DEREKSERRA and get in touch him to discuss the matter further.

Derek Serra