Why I Love Writing

I must give my former self much thanks for deciding to travel for six months in Europe, because that is where my desire to share my experience via my blog transformed into a real passion for writing. 

Writing is so many things to me at this point. For one it gives me the ability to slow down (not that my life is rushed) and meditate on my life. To creatively put my mind and heart on paper. Writing truly has become such a useful form of meditation in that it helps me continually see where I'm at, and also helps me create a vision of where I want to go. All day, thoughts come and go, but the act of writing them down helps the information, the ideas, sink deeper. 

Another profound reason I love writing is because it helps me remember. Not only remember great experiences but remember the state in which I was in. Just in the past two months I've purchased over twenty new books and I've read through close to ten, so writing forces me to re-think through all that information, to string it all together in my mind in order to make it stick. What good is new information if it doesn't stick? 

And then there is the obvious part of writing that I love. Sharing. And I mean genuinely sharing the depth of my mind and how I feel, because through that kind of sharing it not only becomes very therapeutic for me, but we all learn and grow together.

Man. I. Love. Writing.

A Year of Couchsurfing

It's making my day this morning looking through all my old couchsurfing references from last year so I wanted to share. For anyone that doesn't know, couchsurfing.com allows you to contact hosts (like me) all around the world and stay with them free of charge. It's a very enriching cultural exchange, an awesome way to make friends from every possible background & location imaginable, and for me, a great way to practice compassion.


Aubrie Patterson

Saint George, UT, USA

Andrew and I met through CSing before his journey to Europe, and I am so happy I got to meet him! His energy is so chill, he is so lighthearted and thoughtful and down to earth, how could you not love hanging out with him?? Good person, good vibes, lovely evening. Good luck, my friend!

Stepfanie Aguilar

Pasadena, CA, United States

Andrew is a really chill, awesome dude! I had a plan of meeting up with some friends at Zion National Park, and I needed a place to stay for 2 nights--- all last minute and he responded. I walked in and he was in the middle of baking some coconut muffins (yum!). I recommend staying with him if you get the chance.

Teresa Krause

Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany

Staying with Andew was very cool! He is a relaxed person and has sweet roommates. It was very interesting talking with him and nice to hang out – and on top of that his couch is even very comfy! I wish I could have spent more time there! Thank you!!

Sarah Irvine

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

I stayed with Andrew for 2 nights while I explored Zion National Park. He is a very generous and down to earth guy and gave up his room for me to sleep in during my visit! He also loves to cook and makes absolutely delicious banana ice cream!! It was great to share meals, good conversation and hang out with his roommates during my stay. I would recommend staying with him if your in the area. Thanks Andrew! Hope to catch up with you when your travelling again.

Cat Layne Thompson

El Paso, TX, USA

We stayed last minute and Andrew was still very accommodating. Him and his roommates were fun to chat with just about all types of things. If you're in the area, I would definitely recommend staying with him. I only wish we could have had more time to talk or hang out with these guys.

Ira Schleicht

Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Andrew was a perfect host. He is friendly, polite, funny and very caring. He served us (two friends of mine and me) some desert and a tasty banana-cinnamon milkshake. Then we played "cards against humanity" with Andrew, his roommates and three other couch surfers, who stayed in the flat at the same time.

Thank you for hosting us and giving up your comfy bed, your room and your restroom for us.

You're always welcome in Wuppertal:)

Laleña J

Bonita, CA, USA

I didn't get to spend too much time with Andrew, but I had a great time hanging out with him and his roommates. They've all got a knack for storytelling and made me feel at home right away. I, unfortunately, didn't get the chance to try out Andrew's famed cooking, but if he makes it out to Coachella, I'll make sure it happens! If you're passing through SW Utah, make sure to make a pit stop in Washington!

Katarzyna Bronia Iwanczuk

Rauma, Finland

We only spend one night at Andrew's place, but he was a great host! He gave us his own room and slept on the couch! Very modest, smart and knows a lot about healthy food. Thanks for everything Andrew! :)

Cyril Beyney

Dallas, TX, USA

I stayed only one night at Andrew's place. He is a great and generous host, I had a great time with him, his roommates and a group of 4 others couchsurfers that even kept me a part of the food they cooked for dinner when I arrived. Thanks for everything :)

Mario Herrera Möller

Temuco, Araucania, Chile

Andrew is a great guy, he hosted us with a friend and have a great time with them and they roommates :)

Hope we could see again.

Mario

Feli Schulz

Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, Germany

Meeting Andrew was amazing! He gave us a warm welcome in his flat with his flatmates and gave us his bedroom with private bathroom! He loves cooking great stuff and he made the best chocolate-milk-banana Smothie ever! In the evening we went to a cave in the rocks with him and spent a great time together dancing around with glowsticks! It was so funny! After this he showed us the awsome view over Washington at night it was beautiful! Thank you for that great stay :)

Rebeka

Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Kärnten, Austria

Andrew and his roomates were really kind and they also were a lot of fun. We just stayed two nights, but they were also able to show us a really nice spot close to their house where we had an amazing view over st.george. We were also in a cave which was really cool. Andrew offered us his room and also towels which is reaaaaaally nice! You can be sure that you have a great experience during your stay and also the zion national park is just about an hour away. Thanks guys and do not forget to visit us in Germany and Austria!! :)

Rebecca Harmer

Melbourne, Elwood , Australia

With less than 24 hours notice Andrew came to my rescue, accepting me and my bunch of misfits.

We rocked up super tired and were welcomed in by him and his lovely housemates. He was super awesome and even gave up his bed for us, letting us all get the first decent nights sleep in ages which was very much appreciated.

Not only did he spoil us with delicious healthy smoothies but he also tried to perfect the British accent...the smoothies were awesome, the accent on the other hand ;)

Thanks so much for having us to stay, you're a legend!

Lily Kingsbury

CA, USA

Andrew is a fantastic host!! We rolled in really late and he greeted us with homemade banana ice cream and smiles. A generous and lovely human, we were very impressed. Thanks Andrew, you made our roadtrip even better. :)

Laura Eck

Giessen, Hesse, Germany

We had a great time at Andrew's place! He and his flatmates were super nice to us and even took us with to a great spot at night. We had fun dancing with some glow sticks and balloons in a cave, was a new experience to us and we just loved it! Afterwards we squeezed ourselves through a gap up to a point where you get a breathtaking view over Washington.

I know others already said that but Andrew is a great in the kitchen, he let us try all his meals he made and one of his tasty smoothies. Super yummy!!

He also gave us a great advice where to hike at Zion National Park.

Thanks again for those two days!

sho

Nara, Nara, Japan

I stayed with Andrew for two nights.

Andrew and his roommate are so funny!!!!

He made some drink for me, its name 【kava】

It was awesome!!!!! Taste was kind of dirt!!! lol

But it is really famous in Vanuatu and good for health :)

And he made really interesting black rice for me!!

You can enjoy with him everything in St.George!!!!

Thank you Andrew!!!!

See you again in Japan :)

Ryan Spaulding

Rochester, MN, United States

Andrew is a very cool and genuinely generous dude. He kindly opened his space to us while traveling, we played some hilarious games involving cards and humanity, and ate his homemade zucchini bread. Thanks again Andrew!

Matthew L Bedrosian

San Francisco, CA, USA

I was treated to a strawberry-fudge smoothie immediately upon arrival in Andrew's home. Need I say more?

Toms Valainis

Cēsis, Cēsis Municipality, Latvia

Hey Andrew! Finally we found some time for references! We are thankful that You hosted us! You are really nice guy! You should go and explore the world or come to Europe! Thank You for cakes that You made for us!

Best wishes!

Tom and Lasma.

Jason Clarke

Thornton, Milford Haven, United Kingdom

I stayed with Andrew for two nights while I explored Zion. Would definitely recommend staying at his place. Andrew was flexible, chilled and welcoming. He offered me a cooked meal, home made tea and we played cards against humanity with his housemates. Thanks Andrew! Hope we cross paths again on our travels! :)