Quicky

Often I encounter things in my life that I think are noteworthy of blogging and I decide that I ought send it up to my facebook, and eventually get it up on the blog as well. Unfortunately in those situations I usually forget to do the latter, so consider this a prize.

Many of you know that my current room offers the best view in the house. Something isn't quite normal in the Phi Kappa Tau front yard today, anyone care to venture a guess? (and please leave it in comments, not my inbox :) ) Answer is at the bottom of the page.

Other than that, the weather is great, and my only other update is that I am now couchsurfing in London and Paris (despite having a dorm en France). Copy and Paste'd below are amazing emails from couchsurfers abroad who decided to take me in. (I'm not sure if I wrote about it before, but couchsurfing is kinda what it sounds like, you go to www.couchsurfing.com, fill out a profile, and message people about staying with them as sort of a free place to stay and cultural exchange. They show you around, you buy dinner, meet cool people, etc. It's an awesome idea and I'm so glad that I will be a part of it!)

Laura de Kock Wrote:

Hello Joel

Thank you for your request.We've already had a request from somone for exactly thedates that you want to come although its only from oneperson and he's not yet confirmed after we said he cacome. Thing is, the couch can sleep two, so if youand him are cool with sharing then it would be fine. Otherwise we could build you a comfy make-shift bed onthe floor. Main thing is that you're likely to share the space with another CS'er. Which might be a good thing since we work during the week and we may not be able to show you around as much as you or we'd like so at least you'll have company. Also, I guess I'll have to check if the other couch surfer is ok with sharing tima and space. If this is cool with you and its cool wit the other couch surfer then its cool with me!Speak soon!

Laura

Joel Shapiro Wrote:

Laura,

Thank you very much for the quick reply! I would be VERY greatful to sleep on any couch, bed, mattress, pillow, floorboard, counter or the like. I hope that the other couchsurfer is as enthusiastic as I, this trip, and this whole CS thing looks to be like a great time. Please let me know what the other person says, as my trip draws near! Thank you very much

-Joel

Laura de Kock Wrote:

That's the spirit, Joel!

Nevermind what the other surfer says! We do have a hammoc outside in which you can sleep since we'll be out of space. Just kidding!!! If its too much hassle for the other CS'er we'll just put you in the study or something. I'm sure it'll be just fine, all in the spirit of couch surfing! Ok, so its settled for me. As long as you're ok with the fact that we don't give keys to couch surfers for obvious safety reasons and we all work so we may not spend as much time with you as you'd like. WE'll certainly at least send you well on your way and explain whatever it is you need to know about this place and at least have a drink or 3 one evening. Can you send me some info about where in London you will be arriving too (eg airport/train station etc) so I can explain the best way to get to our place? Also the time that we can expect you to arrive. If you are not sure yet just send me a message when you know. Ok, speak soon and best of luck with your studies!

Adios!
Laura

That is Laura, my awesome host in London, and on to the message from my host in Paris (to whom I wrote a month ago, in French. According to her profile, she speaks French, Chinese Spanish, and Swahili, and might be the only Parisiene who doesn't speak english):

bonjour,

je pars dans 2 semaines en Thailande, je rentre àParis le 18 aout, je peux t'accueillir.je te donne mon email : ____. C'est bien de faire l'effort de parler Français!!!

christelle

(Hello, I am taking in 2 weeks in Thailand, I return to Paris on the 18th of August, I think I can welcome you. I give you my email ______. It's well that you made the effort to speak french!!!

Christelle

So yeah, this "Quicky" I guess became rather epic, but I was excited. Sorry gang.

-Joel

p.s. It's Scot Rastelli tanning in a man-thong.