# Hello! 👋

I'm Adel, a software developer currently based in Finland. Born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, my journey has taken me from the warm desert climate to the enchanting Nordic landscapes.

## Life and Education

My journey began in the UAE, where I spent most of my life making friends with everyone in the neighborhood. While academics later took priority during my school years, I eventually found that sweet spot between excellence and enjoyment – what I call "making every moment count."

My academic path has been an interesting evolution:
- Bachelor's in Nuclear Engineering from UAE
- Master's in Mechanical Engineering from Finland
- Pursued PhD studies in Manufacturing and Packaging Technology
- Pivoted to Full Stack Development in response to market demands

This diverse educational background, combined with my ability to adapt and learn, led me to my current role as a software developer. It's a testament to how life's path isn't always linear, and being open to change can lead to exciting opportunities.

## Professional Journey

My career transition into software development reflects the dynamic nature of today's job market. The shift from engineering sciences to programming has given me a unique perspective on problem-solving and technical development. My background in various engineering disciplines brings a distinctive approach to software development, allowing me to bridge different technical domains.

## Hobbies and Interests

My passion for outdoor activities has only grown stronger over the years. Beyond my original repertoire of football, basketball, ping pong, volleyball, running, and swimming, I've developed a deeper connection with:

- **Hiking**: What started as a recent interest has become a regular adventure, exploring Finland's beautiful landscapes
- **Winter Sports**: Embracing Finnish winter activities and outdoor life

Art remains a cherished hobby. While still considering myself an amateur sketcher/painter, I enjoy the process. I don’t draw as often anymore. In fact, I haven’t done it for years. These days, I enjoy redrawing from other people’s art, getting to understand the process that shapes the final drawing and capturing the moment.

## Cultural Bridge

Living between two distinctly different cultures has shaped my worldview:
- Grew up in the multicultural environment of the UAE
- Embraced the Finnish way of life, including:
- Work-life balance
- The value of "sisu" (Finnish determination)
- Appreciation for nature and sustainable living

## Travel and Experiences

My journey from the UAE to Finland has enriched my perspective on life and culture. Each move has brought unique friendships and learning opportunities, reinforcing my belief in the value of stepping out of one's comfort zone.

## Community Involvement

I believe in the power of community and continuous learning:
- Regular participant in HelsinkiJS monthly meetups, where I connect with fellow developers and stay updated with the latest in JavaScript ecosystem
- Actively seek out and attend various other tech meetups in the Helsinki region to broaden my network and knowledge base
- Couchsurfing Weekly meetups in Helsinki!

## Philosophy

While I still appreciate these guiding principles:
***** "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise."
***** "Ships are safe at the harbor but that is not what they are made for."

My international experiences have taught me:
- Adaptability is a superpower
- Growth often lies outside our comfort zone

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I still believe that actions speak louder than words, and I enjoy letting authentic conversations reveal who I am. My journey from Nuclear Engineering to Software Development, from the UAE to Finland, has given me a unique story to tell and diverse experiences to share.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My Couchsurfing journey began through a friend's recommendation, and it perfectly aligns with my love for authentic cultural exchange. Having moved from the UAE to Finland, I've experienced firsthand how local perspectives can transform a place from a destination into a story.

While my shared living situation in Helsinki doesn't allow me to host, I'm an active member of the community as a traveler and local friend. I believe the best way to experience a new place is through the eyes of those who call it home. Whether it's discovering hidden gems, understanding local traditions, or simply sharing conversations that challenge our perspectives.

For me, Couchsurfing represents travel in its purest form: connecting with people, understanding different ways of life, and creating memories that guidebooks simply can't offer.

Interests

- Digital art creation with Sketchbook and 3D modeling in Blender
- Game modding, recently focusing on kart racing games (creating custom characters, vehicles, tracks, and editing tools). I also decompile and reverse engineer the original source code and inject my own code
- Software development and staying current with industry research
- Sports: basketball, table tennis, volleyball, running and hiking
- Anime and manga enthusiast
- Video gaming
- Cooking
- Spending time with friends, exploring new places and activities

• walking
• anime
• drawing
• hiking
• animation
• sightseeing
• manga
• videogames
• programming
• 3d modeling
• software development

Music, Movies, and Books

## Music
- Game Soundtracks
- Kirby's Gourmet Race is my all-time favorite
- Other memorable gaming OSTs
- Classical Music
- Began with Beethoven's "Für Elise"
- Appreciate orchestral compositions

## Movies & Shows
- Action and Thriller films
- TV Shows focusing on:
- Science and Technology
- Medical dramas
- Superhero series
- Anime series

## Reading
- Manga enthusiast
- Japanese comic artistry
- Various genres and storytelling styles
- Technical documentation and articles
- Software development
- Technology trends

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Skydiving

Teach, Learn, Share

I really like to dive into new topics and learn through engaging discussions. I believe that positive thoughts radiate from us like sunbeams, making us look lovely and approachable.

What I Can Share with Hosts

can bring some delightful local desserts from Finland to share. Additionally, I offer unique insights shaped by my experiences and culture. I believe the best conversations are those where both parties walk away having learned something new, whether it’s about technology, life in different countries, or fresh perspectives on familiar topics.

Countries I’ve Visited

Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates

Countries I’ve Lived In

Finland, Spain, United Arab Emirates