Couch Surfing, in its most basic definition, is essentially spending a night in a stranger’s house, which they offer for free. You find them through the couch surfing website, where both you and they have a profile.

Before I go any further, I would like to say to my mother, who is likely more than a little worried at this point that couch surfing is a very legitimate way to be housed for the night and is quite safe. I am convinced that she believes I do the craziest things, but is not really surprised. Pastor Chris sent me a quick email, saying that he added me to the prayer list and that my mom told him that if I went to the moon, she wouldn’t be surprised. Just so long as I call home when I get there.

Even so, there is little worry about couch surfing. On the website, www.couchsurfing.org, both people who are willing to open their homes and people looking for a place to stay create profiles about themselves and what they are looking for. The homeowner describes their home, when it is available and usually about themselves and what kind of people they want to host. They also include what the sleeping accommodations are like. The traveler creates a similar profile, about who they are, where they come from, and where they are going. The homeowner can then accept or reject a request from the traveler.

Almost every place we looked at in Saarbrücken (in Saarland, which is bordering France and Rhineland-Pfalz) seemed fine. Well….except for one. This particular guy wrote that he is only looking for hosting guys, you would sleep in the same room as him, and he requests “interesting and curious men”. No thank you.

It turned out that couch surfing was the best choice we made. Our host Elen met us at the train station and gave us a ride to her place, which was much appreciated after trekking all day with our heavy backpacking packs. She took us around the city and told us the places of interest, good bars and clubs, and some historical background. We even got to go into Saarland’s parliament and sit in the state president’s seat. Awesome.

Matt and I, who had to work on a class project on Saarland, arrived at about noon. We were a bit curious about how Elen could be spending so much time with people that she just met on a work day. It turns out that she is a police officer in the city, and was working later that night. Well Mom, you don’t needn’t worry about my safety on this trip!

The three of us went to a beer garden and chatted about the differences of life in America and Germany. Elen has never been to America, and even as a cop she could not believe that just about anyone can own a gun. Hurray second amendment! As a thank you for hosting us, we bought her dinner at a nice restaurant with amazing local food. I had about the best sauerkraut in my life.

Afterwards, Elen left for work and we headed on back home, and turned in for the night. She was asleep in the morning, but bought us French baguettes with chocolate on and in them. She was very thoughtful.
One more difference between America and Germany: as I hopped into the shower, I realized that the hot water heater was literally on the wall above the tub. As you turn the hot water on, you can see the flames heating the water. Strange.

Our trip to Saarbrücken was very pleasant, mostly due to Elen’s kindness. I would certainly recommend couch surfing if you are looking to save some money and want to meet new people. Possibly not for the faint of heart, but Mom knows that has never been me.