Oli Syed's Photo

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Accepting Guests

  • Last login 6 months ago

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Overview

  • 14 references 10 Confirmed & Positive
  • Fluent in English, French, Urdu; learning Italian
  • 43, Male
  • Member since 2011
  • Information design & Wayfinding
  • MA Information Design
  • No hometown listed
  • Profile 100% complete

About Me

CURRENT MISSION
To travel, connect with positive people across the globe, and continuously grow into a better version of myself.

ABOUT ME
I’m constantly evolving — each day, each moment. My journey is one of wisdom, learning, and self-discovery, embracing the teachings of the great thinkers, from Socrates and Plato to the mystics and scientists. Am I a philosopher? A scientist? A seeker of truth? Perhaps all of these and none at once.

I question the nature of existence, the fluidity of change, and the boundaries of knowledge. But in the end, I know I know nothing, and that’s a start.

A true nomad, I belong to no single place, yet I am at home everywhere. The world is my classroom, and I learn from its diversity, adapting and sharing wisdom where I can.

I challenge, I reflect, and I remain open to new ideas — skeptical but respectful of traditions, rebellious yet grounded in my own understanding. Labels don’t define me; I am simply me, evolving, exploring, and existing.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

WHY I’M ON COUCHSURFING
I’m here to offer a genuine connection with travelers and share what I can — whether it’s a comfortable space, thoughtful conversation, or a cup of tea. Couchsurfing is about creating meaningful exchanges that leave both of us with something new — a fresh perspective, a shared moment, or a new friendship.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE
My first Couchsurfing experience was in Vermont, and it set the bar high. My host introduced me to hidden gems around the area, and I remember sipping coffee in Montpelier, engaging with locals in a way that felt both enlightening and personal. It reminded me of a similar trip I took in 2001 to the Kalam and Swat valleys in Pakistan, where conversations with strangers led to unexpected discoveries. Every Couchsurfing experience has been unique, and I look forward to many more.

Interests

You’ll mostly find me diving into topics like history, religion, philosophy, geopolitics, theology, science fiction, metaphysics, cuisine, language, and etymology. I’m fascinated by architecture and urban design, and I’m a wayfinding geek — that little curved ‘L’ on a corner sign sparks as much interest in me as maps and cartography do.

  • books
  • architecture
  • design
  • cooking
  • coffee
  • meditation
  • traveling
  • cartography
  • divinity
  • etymology
  • geopolitics
  • history
  • philosophy
  • religion
  • science

Music, Movies, and Books

I’m a slow reader, but I enjoy biographies and books that explore history, travel, and nature. I prefer documentaries for a visual dive into the world, always seeking stories that connect me to different lives and places.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Sleeping in a tent on a safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro, I was immersed in the wild. That night, I heard a pride of lions hunting buffaloes — an awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience, feeling so deeply connected to nature.

Teach, Learn, Share

I’d teach you why French and English books have different text orientations on their bound edges. I’m always curious to learn something you’re passionate about, and I’d love to share my travel stories with you over a warm cup of Kenyan or Ceylon tea.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Respect for their space, engaging conversation, help around the house, a warm heart, and perhaps a shared cup of tea or coffee.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Andorra, Anguilla, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, England, Faroe Islands, France, French Polynesia, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin (French part), San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Serbia, Seychelles, Sint Maarten (Dutch part), Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, Vatican City State, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Croatia, France, Italy, Pakistan, United Kingdom

Old School Badges

  • 4 Vouches
  • Pioneer Badge

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