Hi guys. I'm a young, and gay (kinda saddening that in 2020 one needs to point this out for some people), 48-year-old Irish/ Scottish guy (so basically, I'm a pure bonified Celt ;) ), who's travelled to 28 countries (lived in 21) but have been very happily based in Cambodia for the last 4.5 years.

In the past, when I had my apartment in Edinburgh, Scotland, I used Airbnb regularly to host foreign visitors to the beautiful historic city - mainly during The Edinburgh International Festival and Hogmanay.

However, now I'm just keen to offer a comfortable abode to fellow travellers (with a private bedroom) in my perfectly located apartment which is located in Daun Penh - a 1 minute walk to the beautiful Riverside promenade, The Night Market, Wat Phnom (with views of the lit-up spire from the balcony at night, which is overlooking a beautifully maintained park - you'd never think you were in Central Phnom Penh and also the Old Market is on the doorstep. It is also a 10-minute stroll to the National Museum and Royal Palace. Independence Monument is a 5min tuk-tuk drive away and Toul Slang 15-20 in a tuk-tuk using the Grab app( $1.5) - definitely download it while you're here.

Throughout my travels, I have felt very passionate about leaving a positive footprint, therefore, I have volunteered in many places along the way. Not only does this give me great satisfaction, but it also enables me to have a direct insight into my new country of residence.

I'm happy to give tips and, of course, host people doing the same. However, I am open to all travellers. My only requests are: no form of bigotry, sexism, racism, xenophobia, homophobia and basic disrespectfulness towards locals here in this wonderful city which I happily call home. And, of course, respect for the property itself.

Also, whilst a very warm welcome awaits future guests, this is not a party apartment as my building owner, whilst a very charming gentleman, is quite conservative. But there's many a late-night place in town to let your hair down. Just please try to be respectful when you come back home, as I may need to be up early for work.

I'm currently teaching online, so I do work from home for a couple of hours each evening, or as required, but you do have full privacy in your own bedroom. If the sound of listening to me teach scares you ;) . Otherwise, you can sit-in and have a good giggle listening along, no problem. ;) Aside from travelling, I'm a very keen cook and still enjoy a night of dancing (ideally salsa, but I'll take anything).

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Because as an avid traveller myself, I have enjoyed many a homestay in foreign places. Much as I do enjoy socialising, and meeting other travellers in hostels, sometimes I just require a few home comforts.
I have worked for numerous NGOs around the world so, as I believe in leaving a positive travel footprint and so I am happy to hist guests who are doing the same, to help them save some much-needed funds.
However, I am equally happy to host regular travellers who, like me, just need a break from hostel life and a private room with a double bed.
Sadly, I currently only have the one wardrobe at this time, in the private bedroom, so we would need to somehow share.

Interests

• dancing
• cooking
• traveling
• volunteer work
• paragliding
• volunteering
• adventure travel
• travel
• food
• fun
• personas
• adventures
• dance
• foodie
• caving
• rafting
• ngo
• humour
• adrenaline sports
• ngos
• adventure sports
• food and drinks
• food lover
• voluntary work
• personalities
• cooking and eating
• traveling,
• cooking together

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: salsa (mainly Colombian)
Movies: Too many.
Books: Inspiring biographies.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Paragliding off the Andes in Colombia (San Gil). Gliding across that huge canyon was mind-blowing.
I once represented Ireland at The Royal Dublin Horseshow - showjumping.

Teach, Learn, Share

Being a qualified teacher for 13 years I have used these skills as much as possible, money permitting, to volunteer at NGOs in a variety of countries, as leaving a positive impression in my host country is very important to me.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A very warm welcome.
Good lively chat.
I am socially aware, so happy for guests to be independent should they wish. I myself am a very independent traveller. However, I am always available for insider tips.
A warm introduction to some wonderful Khmer people and long-term expats residing here. One of the many beauties of Cambodia is that there is no division amongst cultures here. Khmers are very beautiful and hospitable people.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belize, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, France, Greece, Guatemala, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Costa Rica, England, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Viet Nam