Couch surfing debut!

You probably know about CouchSurfing (CS) but for those of you who don't, here's a short explanation. Couch surfing is an online network that allows travelers to stay with locals. Registration is free, and there is no monetary exchange between the surfer and the host. Hosts offer their couches for free in exchange for cultural exchange.

Daniele and Cecilie

Yoshi and I couch surfed for the first time in Copenhagen. Daniele, who's half-Danish, half-Italian, warmly welcomed us into his home. The day we arrived, he cooked us vegetable pasta, which was delicious! We had an interesting conversation about the similarities between Danish and Japanese cultures. Daniele told us that the Danes are generally reserved and softspoken. But he also said that his Italian side makes him talkative! It's always interesting to talk to mulit-cultured people.

Daniele's living room

Our second day in Copenhagen, we borrowed Daniele's bicycles and biked around the city. The city is flat and extremely bicycle friendly. There are more bicycles than pedestrians on the streets! Daniele gave us a wonderful tour around Christiania -- a commune right in the middle of the city. In the evening, we went to see his friend sing in a church concert. Brorsons Church is an alternative church, known for hiding Iraqi refugees in 2008. We spent two nights at Daniele's house and had an experience of a lifetime.

Brorsons Church

When does a stranger become an acquaintance?
When does an acquaintance become a friend?

We're all strangers at first.
We become friends before we even know it.