Hi I'm Dino. It's nice to meet you.

I'm 30 a old guy from the UK who travels as much as he can. As of now I have been to around 20 different countries. It's not as many as some couch-surfers, but I try to hit a few new ones every year.

I first left the UK in 2018 with plans of travelling for at least 2 years. Things didn't go exactly to plan because I wound up in Vietnam and loved it so much I stayed for 5 years. I became an English teacher and taught primary-aged students in schools and private lessons. While I was there I got to see more of Asia and learn a bit of Vietnamese. I was there for COVID, but that didn't stop me from travelling in the country I called my new home.

After 5 years in Vietnam I am now ready to move on with plan A (travelling the world) and my next destination is Australia. I have the working holiday visa secured, I'm just taking my time to get there right now.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Why else but to find affordable ways to see and experience a place, while also making deeper connections with the people living there?

When I travel I always want to interact with local people. It can be hard sometimes as a tourist when most of your interactions are with shopkeepers and staff. In the past, I have found the best way to experience a country is by volunteering there, however, this is not always possible in a tight time -frame.

I hope I can use Couchsurfing to make new friends and form a greater attachment to the countries I visit.

Interests

I am an artist and an illustrator. I would call myself more of an artist these days as I mostly make work that I want to make and don't often take clients. Still, I do take on a commission when I get the chance sometimes. In my photos is a picture of a mural I painted recently Cat Ba island (of Vietnam). It was my first mural but I am very proud of my work and hope I can do many more.

If you want to check out my art on Instagram, you can find me @dinocarobene.

I try to keep myself active by hiking and getting outdoors. I love climbing both indoors and outdoors, but must admit I have to limit my level of challenge since a wrist injury. Now I am trying to get more into yoga, but I am still a beginner.

Very recently I completed my 2nd Vipassana meditation retreat and then immediately spent 2 months at a meditation center in South Korea as a volunteer. I'm trying to keep meditation a consistent habit in my life.

• hiking
• art
• cinema
• illustration
• urban exploring
• litrature
• cooking together

Music, Movies, and Books

People often ask me what kind of art I do, and I find that answer difficult to answer. I think it would be clear from looking at my Instagram that I love fantasy, sci-fi and horror. I love movies, especially those with deep and complex ideas that get you thinking and open you up to discussion. That doesn't mean I'm a snob though (I hope not), and I can enjoy a good popcorn movie too.

I am pretty open to any kind of music, especially when it's live. I'd love to share my tastes and have my mind opened to new genres or ones that I haven't had a fair introduction to.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I feel very happy with so many of the things I've done since leaving the UK. I've got to say one of the most challenging but rewarding things was wild-camping alone in Northern Mongolia.

Teach, Learn, Share

If you need help practising English I have a lot of experience there (not only teaching children). Otherwise, we can collaborate on some art together. If you have a wall and some time maybe we can paint a mural together.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I will be as helpful as I need to be with food, household tasks and cleaning up after myself.
I can also cook a few meals using few ingredients.

I can share conversation and stories. If anyone needs any English language help I can help with that too.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Laos, Malaysia, Malta, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Viet Nam