Hey there! I'm Cal Ryan and i'm a 22 year old from Brisbane, Australia. This year I’ve given up my fast-paced life to retake control of my life, a one way-ticket to a European adventure. Back in Brisbane, I was hardworking uni-graduate from the outskirts of Brisbane, always working towards the next best experience and lesson in the work place.

The last 15 months, I've adventured through the world's greatest continent on what I absolutely call my favourite and most adventurous summer ever. I've ran with the bulls, i've fought in the world's biggest food fight, i've para-glided through the Slovenian alps, and sailed the Croatian waters. Between backpacking and adventuring, I've managed the Sales and Travel desk and social media, tour guided, worked in the bar and kitchen and ran camp ground festival set up for a European festival company called Stoke Travel.

But it has not always just been fun and games. I’ve just graduated from a Bachelor of Mass Communications, Advertising and Entertainment while working full time. In a nutshell, I work hard, save hard and enjoy time with my friends and family. Working 7 days a week, I balanced 3 days a week as an Agency Sales Coordinator and Media Planner for Brisbane’s number 1 Metro radio station, Nova 106.9. The other 2 days, as a freelance events and marketing contractor for a Brisbane-based start-up which builds start-ups. And on weekends, I live the dream of travelling all over Brisbane, setting up events, running games and entertaining crowds as a Nova Street Team Events Leader and MC on the mic for events.

I’m absolutely passionate about music, specifically live music, so much so, that I run my own artist management business! I love sport and am used to training as a short distance sprinter 5 days a week. I’m constantly looking forward to my next snowboarding holiday, adventuring, going out with friends and meeting new people. At the same time, I also find my greatest sense of peace and appreciation in life when i'm playing my guitar, learning, writing my blog diary, listening to great music, and finding peace in the alps and country side.

Over the past 3 years, I’ve explored: Japan, Canada, Alaska, New Zealand, Perisher Blue, the great barrier reef, and on top of that, enjoying camping weekends away at Queensland’s amazing beaches. And I've had the absolute pleasure of experiencing the beauty and culture that Europe has to offer.

I think the most memorable part about Japan would have had to been in Hakuba, the ski village. Every time I went down one of the less-busy runs, I would stop and just sit 5 minutes. For the first time ever, there was simply no sound in the world, and a view of snow-covered mountain ranges that was beyond description. It was a really cool moment to just be. To me the only thing that can top this memory, was nursing a scotch with my Family in Chena Springs Alaska, watching the northern lights change from blue, to green to purple at 3am in the morning.

Now for me it is time to take part in a new adventure. Experiencing one country at a time the proper way. I wan't to get into the grind, meet new people and have some fun working in a new city. The opportunity to be paid, or live neutral as I make friends, while travelling, while learning the history of a continent… I couldn’t think of anywhere or anything else in the world I’d prefer to be doing.

I would love to chat to you about how I can get involved and hang with you all for the next chapter of my big adventure.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As i am embarking on this 2 year adventure, i really want to get to know Europe like a local. I would like to get to meet, work, travel and party with the locals. I want this trip to help shape my life, and so i seek to learn something about the culture of each country i can take back to Australia with me. Couchsurfing gives me the opportunity to do this with the true locals.

Interests

• running
• movies
• music
• snowboarding
• sports
• travelling

Music, Movies, and Books

When I’m not seeking a real adventure, I’m enjoying a mental adventure on Netflix. I’m a sucker for shows like family Guy and Parks & Recreation which share my sense of humour. And I am obsessed with movies that leave an imprint on your mind for weeks at a time! Like Interstellar, or The Imitation game.

In terms of music, my taste changes around the people i'm around. By myself, i love acoustic music i can teach myself on guitar. My favourite band would definitely have to be Mumford & Sons, followed by Of Monsters & Men and Ed Sheeran! Around people, i tend to fit the vibe of the crowd i'm in, and love to party a bit more. Working in radio has also made me a sucker for top 40 music.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I Sipped whisky underneath the Northern Lights with my family in Alaska!

Teach, Learn, Share

I am in Europe to learn. I want to create the best version of myself, and share a bit of Australia culture, and my experiences with those i meet. I become richer when i'm around people, i love hearing their stories, it makes me richer as a person. I love sharing my stories with people, they can be fun, meaningful, witty or corny.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love meeting and chatting to new people, and sharing Australian culture. I love great music, great people and great drinks, and when i get to share all 3 with someone else i am in my element! I also have a lot of travel tales from around the world i love to share. I love to cook, and am more than happy to either cook or help a host cook. I love exercising with a pal!

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Vanuatu, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, England, Spain