Hi, Salut, Hola, or as Indigenous people say in my home territory, Uy' Skwayel (Good Day)!

I am a travelling educator preparing to co-facilitate a school travel program in the Netherlands that will be focussed on International Relations and Justice. Prior to the students' arrival I will be spending a few days of my own time to explore the areas we'll be travelling to. I want to gain a better understanding of what it means to be Dutch, as well as learn a range of local perspectives and values in relation to various global issues, and local ones too. I hope to connect with people who are keen to point me in the right direction.

A bit about me:

I like:

- riding bicycles
- eating locally relevant and available food
- playing and listening to all forms of music
- invigorating conversation
- dance/rave/festival culture
- wild places
- silence
- sailing
- history
- massage

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I believe that the best way to better myself is to spend time living with and learning from others. I love to meet new people, push my comfort zone, learn from others' experiences, and get inspired.

When travelling, I prefer to take advice from locals rather than relying on google or trip advisor reviews. Learning through my local connections makes the travel experience feel more interesting and more rooted in relationships of trust. This way of experiencing the world gives me hope and restores my positivity when humanity often seems so lost and confused.

A lot of my work as an educator is focussed on spreading awareness of our interconnectedness as a human family - I have to walk my talk, too. Couchsurfing is an extension of my values as a person.

Plus, I love to host!

Interests

Mountain biking, outdoor recreation, music, policy, business, travel, arts, cultures, religions, writing, NVC, hiking, paddling, exploring, yoga.

• arts
• culture
• writing
• books
• dining
• cooking
• coffee
• yoga
• meditation
• traveling
• music
• guitar
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• surfing
• business

Music, Movies, and Books

I really like house music, all forms of it. I listen to a lot of 'electronic' music (such a ridiculously massive genre at this point), however as a result I'm surprisingly picky about what sub-genres I do and don't like.

I write a lot of 'folk-style' music on guitar, but ironically don't actually listen to it much. I do like it though.

I love hearing new music by artists from countries and regions that I normally don't get exposure, especially in Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. I find these artists most influential to me as a musician at this point.

I usually travel with a guitelele (a miniature guitar), a Native American-style flute, and some kind of percussion instrument to facilitate jam sessions whenever possible.

I like reading historical fiction, as well as a lot of non-fiction. I'm sure we could compare reading lists and exchange some recommendations.

I liked The Expanse (the TV show).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Co-produced a musical festival event in my home city, the first after the pandemic! It was so much fun :D

Teach, Learn, Share

"Why is the ocean
the greatest
body of water?

Because it lies below
all the rivers and streams,
and is open
to them all. "

- an excerpt from the Tao te Ching, as referenced in the Tao of Leadership

What I Can Share with Hosts

Books, music, adventure stories, food, good coffee, bikes, secret locations, locally-grown cannabis

Countries I’ve Visited

Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, Egypt, England, Italy, Nicaragua, Oman, United Arab Emirates, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Colombia