A first-person YouTube video by Roberto Antonio Corona Contreras from Iquique, Chile describing his experiences with Couchsurfing: hosting over 200 people from across five continents, learning English, forming friendships, personal growth, and ambitions to travel the world as a wedding photographer. The video is an appeal to join and be inspired by the Couchsurfing community and a submission for a travel-related contest.
Chapters
Hi, my name is Roberto Antonio Corona Contreras. I'm from Iquique, Chile and I'm a couchurper. I'm doing this video to get a chance to travel the world, share my couches and experience, and inspire you to get involved to be part of this great community. And maybe if I win this competition and get the round the world tickets, I could visit you at home and get a chance to know you. At first I didn't even know what couchsurfing was. I have always been fascinated by other cultures and languages. So I thought it could be a great idea to improve my English by meeting friends from all over the globe. So since then, I have hosted more than 200 friends from the five continents, many different countries and all the colors of the double rainbow. Well, I didn't speak any English a few years ago, so learning English was my goal at the beginning. And I have learned so much more than that. I learned the real meaning of friendship, freedom and happiness. I learned that you don't need money when you have a big smile on your face. Trust have a whole new meaning. After sharing all these unforgettable moments with new friends that changed my life. Happiness is only real. Share. After my first couchurfing experience, my heart was full of new energy. A good feeling that I can't describe. And I'm still smiling. After all this time, I will never forget anything. Good moments that we share together. Sometimes it's hard to keep in touch with everybody, but I'm hoping to have a chance to say hi again in person. I've had the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of these travelers. Every single person that I met through couch surfing was different and unique. Was incredible how two persons that doesn't know each other can become friends in no time. I learned how to be more tolerant and find creative ways to communicate with them when language was a barrier. They made me feel like a better person and inspired me to do better in life. I knew that our time was precious. Maybe we only have one chance to make an impact in each other's lives. So I have always offered my friendship with sincerity and a big heart open to help. I'm making a video to say goodbye to you. I just sat best couch surfer ever. I think we could say that pretty easily. I like it, guys. Okay. The truth is I was a really solitary person and couchsurfing has made me feel like a global citizen with friends all over the globe. One of my dreams is to travel the world doing wedding photography on the five continents. I've been very fortunate to have the world come to me. But now it's my turn, my time to see the world. I realize how easy it is to open the doors of your home to the world. And let me unique moment to share with people that stay forever in your heart. Let the Calvin chopping experience take over. So unload pushback, share like, inspire.
