My name is Chiel Brouwer. I am 25 years old and a graduate of Anthropology and Pedagogy and I believe people are more alike than they think. I do not believe that we are all the same or develop ourselves along the same lines, but I feel that there is no need to be scared of each other. We all try to live with loving intentions, despite the fact that they can become warped. I am still sometimes scared of the ‘other’ however. Especially, when I do not understand the way in which the other shows his or her good intentions. Then the feeling creeps up on me that the other does not have my best intentions at heart. Even I can come across as threatening instead of loving. How to proceed? How do I bridge the gap between what I believe on the one side, and what I feel sometimes on the other side. I can only see one solution: arranging meetings! That is why I will undertake a journey. Away from my comfort zone, with multiple degrees, a job, loving friends and family and especially away from my bubble with people who I understand already! And I would like to invite you to join me on this journey, which will revolve around meeting ourselves and each other. In the hopes that we no longer have to grow scared, but become able to live more and more from the idea that the basis of our lives is love. With a wonderful variety of ways to make this love known.

Read more about my journey on Chielbrouwer.com and follow me on Facebook and Instagram (@brouwerchiel)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As I said, I want to meet people. What better way then to invite each other over in our houses. Hopefully while I am traveling I will meet lots of welcoming people. I then, when I am back home I would love return the favor!

Interests

Traveling, sports, anthhopology, children, psychology, religion, just ask or start talking. I am sure we will find some common ground, for before all other subjects I just love people.

• traveling
• sports
• anthropology
• psychology
• religion

Music, Movies, and Books

Let's go music!
I am a big fan of artists like Avicci, Martin Garrix and Kygo. The lists of DJ's could go on for a boring long time, but I also like some dutch rap, mainstream pop and soul, like Gregory Porter does it.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Plan this trip of a life time, lets hope it will get at least half as amazing!

Teach, Learn, Share

Sharing for me is about meeting people. Meetings are some of the most valuable things possible to me. Getting to know someone and their stories gives me feeling of happiness and love, again and again.When I meet someone and get to laugh and cry with them, get to dream and struggle along with them and show compassion, then I am at my best. Such a meeting can last many years. Getting to know each other better every time, learning to understand each other and reaching a symbioses. Even if you do not understand each or do not see eye to eye about certain topics. If you share what life means for you, then something powerful happens in my vision. I believe it can move borders and even make them disappear. It can remove fear and build connections for a lifetime. That is the power of a meeting according to me! And I would love to meet you!

I could teach you one ore two things about antropology, kids, Utrecht and the Netherlands. Eventhough I do not always carry weed on me. Honestly, we don't.

I would love to learn how to surf and to speak more languages. If you could teach me that or teach me how to skydive, that would be amazing!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Some great stories and hopefully get your story out. I have a project running, called This is us. It the project that I will take up during my journey to meet young people and to get in contact with each other. I will share that with the world via youtube, instagram, facebook and Chielbrouwer.com.

During my journey I will be looking for lively meetings during which I will get to know young people by talking to them about the meanings they give to their lives and the world around them. You as a host are invited to be one of those people I meet and ask the one burning question I have: what is really important? Share your story and let us get to know each other!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Moldova, Northern Ireland, Norway, Palestine, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, Lebanon, Netherlands, Northern Ireland