I have travelled quite a bit in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. Lived in a few Asian cities, Paris & London (a short while). I enjoy knowing people from all over the world. I appreciate hospitality and love to reciprocate.

I love intellectual conversations as well as just silly talk. I'd like to share with people my travels and life. Politics, art, design, philosophy, music, theatre, spirituality and culture all interest me. I like sharing dinners and having a coffee together with my guests. I like showing people around or providing tips and advice when asked. I am currently on a career break and would love to do interesting things with my guests if asked.

I have just closed down my life in Hong Kong and moved to Thailand without a job or any agenda on my mind. The process of minimizing my 'stuff' and footprint has been amazing. I am now on this journey of further minimizing and would love to hear your experience.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have always loved travelling and have made many good friends through it. I believe it is the best way to travel, learn and live.

Interests

Tech stuff (MEAN stack), music & culture, scuba diving, rock climbing, minimalist living, biking, digital nomads, startups, entrepreneurs & polyglots.

• arts
• culture
• design
• coffee
• running
• motorcycles
• politics
• technology
• traveling
• cars
• music
• cycling
• scuba diving
• rock climbing
• swimming

Music, Movies, and Books

X-men, Johnny Depp, Toby McGuire, Tim Burton, David Lynch, Goddard, William Hurt, Diane Keaton, Mia Farrow, Adele, Alan Parsons, Deanie Ip, Chen Shan-ni, at 17

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Swimming with dolphins in Australia

Teach, Learn, Share

Being Polite

Thais are extremely hospitable and friendly. I have always been amazed at how giving this country is. I am sure you will reciprocate such kindness when in touch with Thais. Here are a few pointers about courtesy & politeness.

- Wai only if you meet a new friend the first time, a monk or an older person
- You don't wai kids, waiters or a taxi driver
- Always put on a smile when you 1) start a conversation, 2) end a conversation, or 3) hear something you don't understand.
- Don't be offended if you are asked your age because Thais want to ascertain your age to address you properly as "Pee" (older) or "Nong" (younger).
- Cover your body properly if you are going to a temple, a decent restaurant or a proper occasion.
- Nudity is generally frowned upon even in a changing room. So you often see men and women changing to their swimwear under a sarong.

Speaking Thai

Always speak Thai as far as you can. It helps you understand each other better. Thai people are super appreciative even if you can only speak an iota of Thai. Learn the basic words for Hello, Goodbye, Thank you, How much and numbers, etc.

Transportation

Here is my list of favorite means of transport:
1) BTS and MRT
They are clean, fast, on time and reliable. Not cheap though, according to Thai standards. They are also building a lot more stations now. I think Bangkok is truly moving towards covering the whole city within metro access.
2) Motorcycle (or 'motorsai' in Thai)
Use them wisely. Don't use it for longer distance or some destination you are not sure of. Use it as a brief connect from a metro station to your home or a known destination. Motorcycles account for the largest number of traffic accidents in Thailand, but if you use it for short connect in a small locality (not on highways or heavy traffic), you are good to go.
3) Trains
It is a nostalgic experience to be on a train, whether to Ayutthaya or down the south to Hua Hin. It is nice to be a train rather than some cramped minivan (or 'Rot Doo') even though it is slow but you do have some legroom to stretch your legs when travelling for hours.
4) River boats
Go for the river boats running on the khlongs or those on Chaophraya River. It is nice to see the scenery along the river and to travel to work on those tiny thin longtail boats.
5) Tuk-tuk (or motorised tricycles)
I don't like them, but let me stress, that's only my opinion. As a tourist, you might want to try it once or twice for a short distance. My reason for its dislike is that: a) you need to negotiate prices every time you go somewhere, particularly if you don't know how far your destination is, which is often true for tourists, b) it gets caught in traffic as much as most other vehicles; that's why I prefer motorcycles which can still move (somewhat) in heavy traffic. c) it has no air-con. Imagine you are stuck in traffic for 30 minutes without air-con.
6) Rented car
Unless I have a well-planned itinerary and have to travel long distance, I would not use a rented car.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Poland, Russian Federation, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Singapore, Thailand

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