Last night, another couchsurfer showed up, Yves from France. He had stayed here before and needed a last-minute place to sleep. He is literally couchsurfing while I have a bed. Yves works for an NGO in Peru teaching English and running programs for the community. He is working on future travel plans and positions in Latin America and teaches both French and English online from wherever he happens to be. Our host, Guillermo, and Yves and I spent the night talking about travel, learning languages, nearby places to visit, and I even got advice on vegetarian Mexican food to eat (cactus is on the list).
This is one of the advantages of couchsurfing, meeting people who enjoy getting to know the local culture, sharing stories, and making new friends. It’s like creating your own little youth hostel without all the partying, bunk beds, and noise.
I know most of my friends back home will never try Couchsurfing, but I won’t stop trying to convince you that it is safe, rewarding and so worth it. If you’re still wondering what Couchsurfing is, I wrote two posts about my first experience with it on my old blog several years ago. You can access them here.
Today, I set off via the metro and a local bus to Teotihuacan, an ancient city with ruins of pyramids and temples not far from CDMX. There were many, many steps to climb, but every one was worth it. I spent several hours exploring the vast complex and learning about its history. I’ll let the photos tell the rest of the story.
Anne cylkowski
April 17, 2018 at 06:40
Incredible photos breathtaking! Also Tim as far as you stepping out of your “Comfort Zone” yours has no boundaries thanks for taking us along!!
Tim Flanagan
April 17, 2018 at 22:21
Thanks, Anne! Having people read this blog pushes me to try new things, so I appreciate the comments.
Lori Liguori
April 17, 2018 at 08:11
Beautiful photos, Tim!!! Thank you for taking me on another adventure in my pjs!!!!!
Tim Flanagan
April 17, 2018 at 22:23
That’s great!
Don Dillon
April 17, 2018 at 09:14
Tim, your posts make me want to pack a bag and head straight to Mexico City. I used to travel to destinations in Mexico but have stopped because of the proliferation of negative press. You are definitely changing my mind. Hope we can be in the same place at the same time one day. Take care and keep writing and traveling.
Don
Tim Flanagan
April 17, 2018 at 22:26
Thanks, Don. That’s exactly what I’m hoping others will realize. I started to get worried with all the reminders to be safe and reading the news, but it is truly one of the most accommodating, comfortable, safe, and interesting places I’ve been to. By the way, I am going to Cuba this summer – so stay tuned for more.
Kathy
April 17, 2018 at 12:06
Catson my way… ha ha ha. Loved the photos.
Are those hiking sandals????
Tim Flanagan
April 17, 2018 at 22:27
I wore sandals every day in Asia and got so used to it. Those are the crocs I bought in Thailand and they’re still going strong. Everyone else had sneakers on, but my feet were happier in sandals.
Kathy
April 17, 2018 at 12:10
Catson my way… ha ha ha.
Great story, great photos & good advice.
Are those special hiking sandals you are sporting?
Kathy
April 17, 2018 at 12:11
Whoops, posted twice, now three times
Tim Flanagan
April 17, 2018 at 22:28
Okay, this is what Linda used to do, but not anymore!
LInda Wight
April 17, 2018 at 13:53
ANother great day! I, too , noticed the sandals! I wish I were more like u. NIce to see the picture of you and what wonderful history, ‘Til another day, happy travels, Linda
Tim Flanagan
April 17, 2018 at 22:28
Yes, I love the sandals. They’re not pretty, but they work great here. Thanks for reading and looking so carefully at my photos!
Tim Flanagan
April 17, 2018 at 22:30
Also, I’m in bed with another cat right now. There are two barking dogs here, too.
Sharon
April 17, 2018 at 14:00
Fantastic Photos!
Tim Flanagan
April 17, 2018 at 22:29
Thanks! You make me smile!
Deidre
April 19, 2018 at 09:42
Love the contrast of the black and white and color photos. You are having such and adventure. Glad to see photos of you-you look so happy.
Couch surfing sounds like a great option, but as a woman it is not something I would feel safe doing. Great way to meet people and learn though!
Tim Flanagan
April 20, 2018 at 09:10
I’ve hosted women before – don’t write it off just yet!
Vicky Ann Deledda
April 20, 2018 at 22:41
You continue to amaze me, especially with your climbing skills in Crocs! What another amazing adventure!
Tim Flanagan
April 21, 2018 at 21:33
Learned that in Asia.