I am an Indian currently residing in Deutschlandsberg, Styria, Austria. I am open-minded, extremely friendly (I have been told that regularly), talkative, and I like to laugh a lot.
Born and brought up in Mumbai - the megacity that never sleeps - I've been in Germany from September 2015 to February 2020, and like to roam around and explore nearby places.
I enjoy photography and also write during my free time.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

A fluke share of a link to a trek event, and subsequent attendance of a seminar by Couchsurfer, hitchhiker and traveller Tomislav Perko at my university, about "How to Travel the World with almost no money", showed me what Couchsurfing actually was. And I was intrigued.
CS is another way to meet new people, make friends and hang out. I like throwing myself out of security of my usual crowd. It's a risky business, but I've erred on the side of caution for far too long. I'd like to take a leap of faith every now and then.

Interests

I'm a good non-professional photographer. I see an admirable landscape or a person in a natural pose, I just point and shoot. I mostly use my cell phone(s), try as far as possible in natural light, and use less after-effects. I sometimes borrow my friends' DSLRs to click portraits. If you want, I can shoot portraits for you too, be it on my phone, your camera, or my future camera. I also film small candid videos about people in motion, like partying, chatting etc.

I love reading. I like writing. I have written a short story and a thriller, but neither of them has been published yet, due to lack of enough time. I am currently expanding on two more ideas, and I'll see where they go.

I am a good cook. My friends say so, even though I cook a very limited number of dishes. I don't particularly enjoy it, but necessity can arrive any time, am I right?

I am a foodie, though. I like to eat. I try different cuisines. There's a happiness in savouring variety. If you're a foodie, you know what I mean.

• writing
• photography
• reading
• traveling
• music
• hiking
• sports
• food
• learning languages
• wandering
• making friends

Music, Movies, and Books

Music is life. I almost always need it in the background, so I keep humming to myself. I like all sorts: rock, pop, R&B, bollywood, jazz, techno etc., all languages. If there's a great tune, even though I don't understand, I'm okay with it. So don't be shocked if you find "Avenir" in my playlist.
I also listen to webradio stations.

About books, I like fiction, preferably Crime-Thriller genre. I don't read at the rate I used to, but give me a solid background about a neo-noir and I'll read it ASAP.
Favourite book: The Poet by Michael Connelly
If you haven't read it, you really should.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The best is still yet to come.

Teach, Learn, Share

I spent a lifetime in a very diverse city. I basically grew up learning and speaking Marathi, Hindi and English. I could write letters and words before they were taught in school. If you want to learn my native language(s), I can help you with it.
I'm open to learning about different cultures. I like to try different regional cuisines. I also like to try the language of the country I'm visiting. I've caught a few words and phrases in Italian, Spanish, Dutch and Czech. But the buck doesn't have to stop here. If you can teach me any of the three mentioned above, I'll be very very pleased. I can speak shaky German, can understand a lot more, but I'd like to expand my vocabulary there as well.
Would you call yourself a good dancer? If yes, I need your help, I literally suck at it. I would love to be able to break a leg with someone.
We can share stories, memories, food, drinks, chocolates, music, experiences. Life's a good thing to talk over a beer, isn't it?

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can teach you my native languages. If you need help with cooking, you can count on me. I am a silent guy until the gap bridges, I'm very very talkative after that. I'm both a sound sleeper, as well as a sharp riser. I can sleep through loud disturbances, but I won't oversleep, I can assure you that.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Austria, Germany, India