CouchSurfing and party crashing in Quebec

I’m a big advocate of CouchSurfing and my weekend in Quebec explains why.

The generousity and hospitality I received from not just my host, but complete strangers, was incredible. 

And lots of fun.

In Quebec I’m staying with Juan and his lovely pointing griffon Kelvin, who may just be the best behaved dog ever. On Saturday afternoon I met Juan at his place to head to his friend’s birthday. I asked what I should take and he warns me we might not be coming back that night. I asked if we need to get any food or anything to drink and the reply is nope, it’s all waiting for us. We picked up some people on the way – one has to ride in the back with Kelvin – and drive about 40-minutes out of the city.

We arrived at this house in god-knows-where. Honestly, I have absolutely no idea where we were – which as a solo traveller probably wasn’t a smart situation to be in. I put a lot of faith in Juan that he wasn’t selling me to human traffickers.

The house was big, with a huge block backing onto woods and the party in full swing. There was food out, kids unning around and Britney Spears on the CD player. I wasn’t the only ring-in: Juan has some friends up from Montreal and another workmate brought his girlfriend, who doesn’t know anyone either. We were all welcomed with open arms and fed lobster. Lots and lots of lobster. We spent a great evening talking and toasting marshmellows. I met so many great people, understood more conversation than usual in Quebec because a lot was in English, and had a fabulous time.

As the night wound up we were shown the basement where our hosts help us set up camping mattresses and sleeping bags. I’m ashamed to say I can’t even remember their names. Just too many new faces. But when one asked who the CouchSurfer was, I put up my hand and he returns with the cushions off the couch for me to sleep on. Very sweet.

In the morning we woke to breakfast: bread and spreads and cereal and juice all waiting for us. We ate on the deck in the sun before heading back to the city.

Of those who stayed overnight, about half had never met our hosts before. And for me, well I was just some random who had no connection to anyone. But regardless, we were treated like family and it was wonderful.

Back in Quebec City, we headed out for Columbian for lunch (there are three Columbians in our group) and then walk through the Old City before relaxing in a park until it got chilly.

To have Juan, my host, agree to have me stay and then include me in this (it was his birthday too last week so the party was a bit of a joint celebration) was really sweet. And then to have these strangers welcome me, feed me and take me in for the night was incredibly generous.

It just goes to show there are some really wonderful people out there and this weekend I felt really lucky to meet some of them.