CURRENT MISSION

Live. Eat. Drink. Travel. Repeat.

ABOUT ME

Without sounding awfully pretentious (hopefully!!) I think I'm a pretty good-natured, laid-back and open-minded sort of guy. I can be somewhat nonchalant or reserved at first but I quickly warm up after a couple of pints or a joint. Guaranteed!! I don't bite, I promise.

Being both born and bred in Penang I call this island home. Like a good many folks from Malaysia, I'm a mixed heritage kid (3/4 Chinese and 1/4 Welsh) with Peranakan ancestry. Don't know what Peranakan is? Google it up or ask me when you see me. I did my Bachelors in Minnesota, USA, and Masters in Kyoto, Japan. I also worked for a few years in Nagasaki, Japan.

PHILOSOPHY
Mono no aware to wabi-sabi
Memento mori and carpe diem, baby
A hedonistic vampire
Rebel against the empire
Slow it down, roll a die,
Drink up, breathe in,
Just suck it all in,
Live and let live
Less to take, more to give
The bare necessities of life

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Hosting: As I am back for a short period of time to look after my mother I am not hosting at the moment, unless for very exceptional reasons.

Drinking: However, I can make up for it by meeting up over a cuppa or beer at a local watering den, a real hole in the wall called Antarabangsa Enterprise. It's an informal Penang institution with plenty of character, cheer, and camaraderie! It looks pretty dodgy but it is the cheapest place for drinks in Penang. Trust me, I've looked.

Eating and wandering: Whenever possible I love to show surfers around places to eat, see, eat, hike and eat, drink and eat, and eat, and eat.. and eat.. and eat.. Our food culture (or gluttony) is all-consuming. It is inescapable. Resistance is futile. So, sit back, relax, and gobble it all up. Do expect your experience (and waistline) to expand generously.

Surfing: From my experience both working and hosting, I have to be considerate and respect the schedule, commitments, and responsibilities of my host. I should also make myself useful, like cleaning up after myself and not being a royal entitled pain in the ass. (Because, you know, I'm not your dad/babysitter - Unless a spanking is in order!!) Also, it would be much appreciated if you do read my profile before sending a request. I'd like to know that you are interested in more than just freeloading.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

So far it has been a fun and interesting learning experience meeting people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. My expectations, views, and stereotypes of various cultures, thoughts and personalities are sometimes dispelled and yes, sometimes even reinforced but it's the sharing of the learning and experience that counts and I try to have my eyes and mind wide open and suck it all in.

Interests

I enjoy traveling and photography. I am equally happy to walk and cycle in the streets of the city or along coastal paths, swimming in cool clear waters, chilling at the beach, chasing waterfalls and hiking lonely misty mountains. I appreciate good reads, films, and tunes. I can't say no to ice-cold beer and snacking on tasty spicy grubs. I also enjoy learning bits and pieces of foreign languages and hearty laughs. Currently, messing around with the uke and having a bit of a go at gardening!

• wildlife
• writing
• books
• photography
• board games
• traveling
• music
• cycling
• hiking
• film

Music, Movies, and Books

Quite a mix. Varied interests. A little bit of everything.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've had some personally amazing experiences in:

Penang
Slept on a pier over the sea under the stars with thunder and lightning swelling in the distance. It was sublime.

the United States
A long ass road trip from Minnesota to Louisiana to celebrate and drink copious amounts of hurricane cocktails to usher in the New Year at the French Quarters of New Orleans. This was, followed by an extended trip (through snowstorms including two flat tyres) that took us to the Smithsonians in Washington DC and getting high at the Andy Warhol museum in Pittsburgh.

Japan
Hiked Fuji-san via the pilgrimage trail from shrine to peak. Cycled for three days around Japan's largest lake - Biwako. Saw a fox playing in the snow in the middle of picturesque Shirakawa village, and at that moment, I was totally captivated and smitten by nature's magic.

Most recent - Cycled the shimanamikaido.

One fine day - Cycle the Silk Road.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach: English, Malay, Penang Hokkien

Though I have eventually conceded to overwhelming evidence and undeniable fact that I am neither artistically, linguistically nor musically gifted, I would still like to learn how to:
1) Read, write and speak Chinese, Welsh, Japanese, French, Italian, Mongolian, Persian, Romanian, Turkish, Vietnamese. Just to name a few..
2) Play musical instruments like the guitar, ukulele, darabuka/tompak, morin khuur, ryuteki, mukkuri, sanshin
3) Permaculture
4) Surf. But I broke my back. Literally. So I really can't surf anymore.

All these? Big freakin' chance! Yes, but I remain undaunted, I'm quite the dreamer. If you're a patient teacher I would be willing to learn.

I can give you a ride where convenient, and I can share with you food and drinks; books, films and music; stories and experiences; and a comfy bed; and maybe event a joint or two. :D

What I Can Share with Hosts

Help with chores (e.g. washing dishes, gardening, etc) -- and maybe.. cook something?

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Cambodia, China, England, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Philippines, Scotland, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Japan, Malaysia, Scotland, United States