While staying with my friend Dayna in Hyde Park, Chicago, I had to good fortune to meet and hang out with her other house guest, Keihly (whose name I like and think is unique). In addition to making kale and suisse chard smoothies, she also told me about her experiences couch surfing.
Keihly has stayed with people in Montana, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, Montreal, and New York among other places. And each visit has been pleasant and enjoyable. She even keeps in contact with some of her hosts, whom she now considers friends.
At Dayna's place. I love the brownstones in this neighborhood. And the trees lining the streets are gorgeous!
I was a bit skeptical at first. I mean, traveling across the country to sleep on the couch of a complete stranger? Stranger danger to the max! McGruff wouldn’t be too happy about it. But after signing up for an account, reading through the tips for new surfers, and looking at the profiles of several hosts in the Pittsburgh area (where I’m looking to find a couch tomorrow night), I decided to give it a go. If Keihly can do it, so can I!
After surfing for awhile, Keihly began a project that documents her experiences through photographing doorways of places she surfs. Some “couches” have included tents. It’s a neat idea, and I’ve decided to do the same. Here’s a photo of me and the doorway at Dayna’s place in Hyde Park (Technically, Dayna isn’t a couch surfing host, but oh well).
Keihly also introduced me to motion maps. She often carries a notebook and pen with her to record thoughts, creative ideas, and notes to remember stuff. When riding public transit, she opens her notebook, makes a note of the route, and then stiffens her wrist and arm, and lets her pen flow on the paper. As the train or bus sets into motion, her pen often flows down the page, and side to side. Here are some examples of her motion maps.