Having worked as a chef for two years after University, I decided to shake life up a bit in 2016. I therefore quit my job and jumped on a plane. In April I travelled around Europe, running four marathons in consecutive weekends in different countries. I briefly returned home for the birth of my niece, before jetting off for Iceland, Canada, the US and South America. In August I arrived in New Zealand where I have a 12 month working holiday visa.
As for me personally, I'm generally sociable and outgoing, willing to give most things a shot. I like to think I'm open-minded, and I tend to get on with most people. I have quite a dry sense of humour with a healthy dose of sarcasm.
I'm now travelling with my lovely girlfriend Jojo from Munich, who I met up in Auckland. We're both extremely laid back and making the most of the relaxed kiwi lifestyle!

PHILOSOPHY

Everything will be alright in the end.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I first heard of Couchsurfing when I met a couple of people doing it in Australia, and I was a big fan of the concept. I'm still something of an amateur, I've only surfed a handful of times. The first time was in Munich during Oktoberfest, and since then in Switzerland, Berlin, Canada and the US. I've had some wonderful experiences and met a bunch of amazing people, both hosts and other guests.
At some point in the future I'd love to host, although I might have to move from Peterborough, which isn't top of most people's places to visit!

Interests

I'm a bit of a sports fanatic. If you can hold a decent conversation about football (and Spurs in particular) we'll be friends for life.
As I mentioned above, I run a lot. I find the atmosphere of marathons thoroughly addictive, and have run seven in total so far. I also love hiking, which South America was incredible for.
I'm a part-time adrenaline junkie, I enjoy the odd skydive or bungee jump every now and then. Day-to-day life can be a bit boring so it's nice to liven it up a bit.
Other interests.. cooking, music, TV, the usual. I'm partial to a bit of gaming (challenge me at Rocket League, I dare ya).
And, of course, travelling/meeting new people/experiencing different cultures. I jump on a plane at any given opportunity. I spent 6 months living in the Netherlands on Erasmus, which was a laugh.

Jojo has a particular passion for dancing, so if any of you have some moves I'm sure she'd appreciate a decent partner for a change!

• culture
• oktoberfest
• dining
• beer
• tv
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• cycling
• bungee jumping
• skydiving
• sports
• soccer
• history
• languages
• study abroad

Music, Movies, and Books

If I had to pick three from each, right now I'd go for:

Music - Gorillaz, Stevie Wonder, Queens of the Stone Age.

Movies - Shaun of the Dead, Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, Inglourious Basterds.

TV - It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Flight of the Conchords, The Simpsons (the old stuff, obviously)

Books - It (Stephen King), Catch 22 (Joseph Heller), Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know (Ranulph Fiennes)

This would probably change every time you ask me...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hard to pick just one, but cycling the length of the UK (Land's End to John o'Groats) was an awesome way of exploring my own country. Turns out a lot of it is really quite pretty.

Teach, Learn, Share

What I can teach: Ummm.. the offside rule? It's hard to say specifically what I can teach people, I wouldn't consider myself an expert in anything in particular. But I like to think I have enough life experience that I have the odd pearl of wisdom.

What I can learn: How long have you got? Anywhere I go I make an effort to learn about the culture, history and way of life. Like many native English speakers, I'm monolingual which - having met people who speak 4, 5, 6 different languages - I find a little embarrassing. So I'm determined to learn at least one other language.

What I can share: The obvious answers, I guess - stories, experiences, food, beer. That sounds like a good time to me!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Myself! I have the utmost respect and appreciation for anyone willing to open their home to me, and do whatever I can to make sure anyone who hosts me has a positive experience. I don't just send copy/paste requests en masse, so if you receive a request from me it means confident we'll get along and have a great time!

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Cook Islands, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Netherlands, New Zealand, United Kingdom