Christoph Kowalewski's Photo

Verified Profile

  • Payment verified
  • Phone verified
  • Government ID not verified

Not Accepting Guests

  • Last login over 1 year ago

Join Couchsurfing to see Christoph’s full profile.

Overview

  • 27 references 20 Confirmed & Positive
  • Fluent in English, German, Spanish; learning French, Polish
  • 41, Male
  • Member since 2007
  • Anti-corruption, food saving and other, crazy-beautiful s...
  • Cultural studies - the perfect thing for people who have ...
  • No hometown listed
  • Profile 100% complete

About Me

CURRENT MISSION

Strengthening the anti-corruption movement in Guatemala, improving the performance of aid agencies, empowering people in my area of influence.

ABOUT ME

First of all check this video where you can see the most authentic me, dancing through life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl8F3h5vePU
No, I am not the guy with the rainbow wig :o)

I am trying to live life to the fullest. By discovering the world I am discovering who else I could be. You might know the question: Given that we can live only a small part of what there is in us - what happens to the rest? I would like to minimize this rest.

Taking a look at my references will provide you with a less cryptic description about my personality ;-)

PHILOSOPHY

Never betray the child in you with all its dreams and wishes. Then everything is going to be fine.

You have to read this one out loud - it's beautiful.
Ognuno sta solo sul cuor della terra
trafitto da un raggio di sole:
ed è subito sera.
~ Salvatore Quasimodo

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Joining CS-events (free hugging, no pants-flash mob in the subway and other fun stuff), showing people my world (view) - if they want, and taking advantage of all the beautiful couches and its owners in the world

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I just love it. Made friends with many hosts and surfers. Got addicted. The favourite way of travelling "on my own" since you are always in good company. Hotels started to scare me. Apart from my own bed, I can only sleep well on couches ;-)

Interests

Meeting people. There is nothing more exciting in this world than having an intense extense with another person. Every encounter can give your live another direction. That's what's so exciting about it. That's why I love. That's why I need it.

Trying out new things. Just bought a guitar. Working on my finger tips to get used to the strings at the moment.

Learning new philosophies and alternative ways of life. Wide field. A lot to talk about ;-)

Moreover, I'm very much into sports. Apart from triathlon disciplines I try out everything that gives me a good feeling. Last year, I have been diving and surfing for the first time in my life. I loved it. This year I participated in a mud race which was a lot of fun. Always looking to extend my physical bounderies. Ever heard about the man in the arena-syndrom?

I guess, I don't need to mention travelling. I mainly do it for food. I love dining and wining. Just the thought of food makes me hungry. Damn, gotta go and check what's left in the fridge...

  • dancing
  • dining
  • triathlon
  • yoga
  • traveling
  • socializing
  • guitar
  • drums
  • surfing
  • scuba diving
  • sports

Music, Movies, and Books

Last good movie (updated 2013):
-Keep surfing! (It's an documentary about the surfable Eisbach-wave in Munich)
-Intouchables

CS education videos (this girl is funny):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQVP0Dk9LhM

Next good movie:
-Horrible bosses
-Empire Me

Last concert: Talib Kweli
Next concert: Michael Kiwanuka

Last CDs bought:
-The Roots - How I got over
-A collection of a street piano player in Munich
-Soundtrack of Intouchables

Favourite song:
-Drop it low by Will.I.am - Check out the video! It a good mood-guarantee. After that you will look like this 8-D
-Somebody I used to know - played by the 5 guys with the guitar

Last book read: Night train to Lisbon (I love the images Paul Mercier creates with words and the deep thoughts)
Actual book: Der Weltensammler - Ilija Trojanow

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've done some kickass-yummy banana pancakes recently.
And being born was actually another amazing thing - not that recently...

Teach, Learn, Share

In general: Teach me your way to happiness, I teach you mine.

In detail I think this platform could also serve as a "Couchsurfing Academy" at the same time where we might consider what we could really teach each other to become happier people/ more effective activitsts/ better looking ;)
therefore:
- Happiness: I should be able to give you a basic yoga class.
- Activism: I can tell you what you can do against corruption in your particular context.
- Play to the gallery: I know how to cut/ edit nice lil videos.

I might give you professional advice. You don't know what to do? Let's talk about it. I have ideas. I know people. However, my advice will always include this recommendation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siu6JYqOZ0g

My wishes are to learn how to play the guitar, drums or pan flute and how to dance latin - especially salsa. Moreover, I want to learn how to hack (no bad intentions, I just want to understand).

What I Can Share with Hosts

My presence, my attention, my view on her or his opinions.
I can tell you how I try to be a very pragmatic activist.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Austria, Belize, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, El Salvador, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Italy, Mexico, Mozambique, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Spain, Swaziland, Switzerland, Turkey, United States, Uruguay

Countries I’ve Lived In

Guatemala, Poland, Spain

Join Couchsurfing to see Christoph’s full profile.

My Groups