The Couch

by Caitlin M. Kelly | 2009

There are over 6.7 billion people in this world, in roughly 200 countries, in seven continents, in two hemispheres on one Earth and we all have, if not an actual piece of furniture, a space in our home and lives that is our couch.

The idea behind surfing a couch is simple: those with space offer it to those traveling through, free of charge, with often only an exchange of ideas, a shared meal and perhaps a willingness to do the dishes.

And if the human race is going to survive all of the political blunders, ignorance and obstinacy of this world it will be through networks that create personal connections between strangers. Suddenly, the foreigner overseas is a friend, the other is the same and by sleeping in someone else's home a fundamental change occurs in the collected atoms that make up who we are.

Think about it.

The couch is a piece of furniture that rallies our social selves.

It is a space where family, friends and strangers gather. It is a place to sit, to relax, to watch television, to read, to talk. It is a space where conversation happens. It is a space where a stranger becomes less so.

I have surfed many couches, some through friends, friends of friends, and networks that connect me to future friends.

The project you see here was born from curiosity. A yen to know places I have not been. It is only a beginning. I know so little of the world.

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