host Couchsurfers more often

I cleaned up the guest room in our basement, replaced the light bulbs, and got some new bedding at Bed Bath & Beyond. It’s a pretty cute little space now. And it feels so good to be able to offer a cosy warm bed and privacy.

In the last week or so, we’ve had 3 couchsurfers: Meegan, the sweet Idahoan master-builder of a fabulous chicken mole enchilada casserole. Rich/Ovid the quirky mythological consultant and soapmaker, and his big puppy Joey. And Lenine, the bright warm Aussie who charmed my mother as we made Christmas cookies together.

This last week, I hosted a trio of Czech and Slovakian folks who had been working in the Alaska fishing industry for the summer. (They didn’t recall crossing paths with Joanna.) Two are computer programmers, and one is studying to become a lawyer. They were embarking on a tour of the American southwest, to see the Grand Canyon etc.

I also hosted a sweet woman from Valencia, Spain. She had awful airport troubles on her way out here, and arrived a day late. She only stayed with me for a night, then she has other hosts lined up. But she’s still in town, and I’m hoping to meet up with her for coffee.

I just had Joanna from Poland here for 3 days. She worked in a fish cannery in Alaska for the summer and was passing through town on her way back to Poland.

It was fun. We went kayaking together for a “sunset” paddle, even though the evening was cloudy. We indulged our coffee-addictions at cafes around town. She taught me how to make pierogis and I taught her how to make scones and American-style pancakes. We even hit the Value Village and picked up some fun bargains.

I’m glad I had the time and energy for her. She was a really lovely guest.