Yesterday She Could Be 19 Years Old Traveler

On 15 September, she could have turned 19. Instead, we remember her with heavy hearts — she passed away on 11 July 2025, at only 18 years old. The news of her death reached me only a few days ago, and it has deeply saddened me.

Aleksandra was a rare and brave soul — a young traveler who embraced the world through. She ventured across countries not for luxury or comfort, but to meet people, exchange cultures, and live freely. In spring this year, she visited my home as part of her journey. She stayed with me for a week, sharing her smile, her curiosity, and her energy.

During her stay, Aleksandra helped me in the garden, planting and nurturing young life with gentle care. She also kindly translated parts of my blog into Polish, wanting to make my words and my story more accessible to others in her country. These may seem like small things, but to me they were moments of pure human connection — the kind that reminds us why we open our doors to strangers who quickly become friends.

Sadly, Aleksandra’s journey ended far too soon. I don’t know the exact circumstances of her passing, though I fear she may have struggled with, a silent battle - anorexia that often hides behind bright smiles.

Her loss is not only mine to mourn. It is a loss to her family and global Couchsurfing community — to all of us who find joy and meaning in traveling, sharing, and living fully. We have lost a fellow traveler, a friend, a bright young spirit who chose to see the world with open eyes and an open heart.

**Rest in peace, Aleksandra Pawlak.** Couchsurfing profile.

For many of us who roam this world, your memory will remain a gentle reminder that life is short, precious, and meant to be shared. We are all travelers here — just passing through this world, carrying each other’s stories in our hearts.

Remembering Taylor — Another Bright Soul

Aleksandra is not the only traveler we have lost. About six months after his visit 12 years ago, another young guest named Taylor — who also came to my place through Couchsurfing — passed away tragically.

Taylor died in a car accident while hitchhiking in Chad, Africa. He was full of life, deeply passionate about seeing the world, and believed that true beauty lay in connecting with people from every corner of the Earth. His death was a shock and a painful moment for our community. Like Aleksandra, Taylor had the courage to travel beyond borders, following his dreams with an open heart.

These stories are heavy to carry, but they are part of our shared journey. I will share their profiles and memories because it is important to remember the real people behind the stories — young dreamers who dared to live fully.

At the same time, we must never forget: safety matters any time. Traveling is beautiful, but it also carries risks. Let’s honor their memory by learning from their courage while taking care of ourselves and each other.

Rest in peace, Aleksandra and Taylor. Taylor couchsurfing profile.

For many of us who roam this world, your memories will remain as gentle reminders that life is short, precious, and meant to be shared. We are all travelers here — just passing through this world, carrying each other’s stories in our hearts.