Opening up my door

I always get a little nervous when an overnight guest is coming, especially if I've never met them before.

As a single person who lives alone, suddenly sharing my home often feels a bit like an adventure. But this is doubly true when the guest is a total stranger.

Welcome to the world of Couchsurfing.org, the largest non-profit network of travelers in the world. People visiting an area peruse profiles of locals offering their couches – or guest beds – and submit a request to stay for a night or two. Sometimes travelers may get a hotel room, but use Couchsurfing to track down locals for coffee or a meal at a great local haunt.

I have opened my door to everyone from a French guy who visits the desert every chance he gets to a fellow who walked from Los Angeles to Brazil. Who could ask for more interesting guests?