Hi!

I'm a friendly, fun guy with an open mind and taste for new adventures. Two years ago, I moved from Australia to Europe for work, first to Amsterdam for 18 months and then Stockholm. I love it here!

Let's get two things out of the way: First, the CS community has changed and there are now lots of people with empty profiles requesting hosting. If I get the feeling you're just trying to take advantage of me, why would I accept your request? CS was meant to be about cultural exchange and mutual kindness. Second, I get a lot of requests and, though I'd like to, I don't have time to respond to everyone. It's nothing personal.

Ok, back to the good stuff....

I'm equally happy out finding fun with new people or keeping it quiet at home. I have many interests, particularly in the arts. My biggest hobby is dancing; a variety of styles but mainly Lindy hop and other 'swing' partner dance styles. I also love cinema, theatre and the visual arts. I love nature, visiting beautiful new places, especially in the mountains. I love to travel.

I like to read and think a lot - maybe a little too much sometimes. I have strong beliefs but enjoy having them constructively challenged.

I like to stay fit and healthy but also know how to kick back and have a good time. I'm vegetarian (well, pescatarian; I sometimes eat fish but am usually straight veggie).

I think that deep down, we all want basically the same things. I don't believe in good people or bad people, I believe in people.

I know how great it can be to find a good host while you're travelling, who can offer a nice place to stay and local advice, so I try to be that for all my guests. I also really appreciate it when people know how to be good guests (and I happily give those people great CS reviews)!

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PHILOSOPHY

"As long as possible live free and uncommitted. It makes but little difference whether you are committed to a farm or the county jail.... If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." -- Henry David Thoreau (Walden)

"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts." -- Bertrand Russell

"Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we *hate* so we can buy *shit* we don't need." - Tyler Durden

"Do what you can, where you are, with what you have." - Anon.

"Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood." - Marie Curie

"My motto in life is, just be *happy* with motherfuckers." - Eddie Murphy

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Life has taught me that a person's greatest resource is the people (s)he's connected to. Staying with locals opens up a world that's inaccessible to ho(s)tel guests. I think the world needs less money and more kindness, and I like that technology offers new opportunities for this. I've done plenty of travel and benefitted from the kindness of many strangers. I like to pay this kindness back, and pay it forward, through CS.

Interests

Intellectual interests:
Science, philosophy, psychology, sexuality, economics, history, sustainability

• arts
• culture
• singing
• photography
• dancing
• cooking
• beer
• cocktails
• coffee
• vegetarian
• fitness
• yoga
• running
• walking
• nightlife
• partying
• clubbing
• clothing
• movies
• traveling
• music
• cycling
• hiking
• scuba diving
• skiing
• rock climbing
• swimming
• economics
• teaching
• history
• psychology
• science
• visual arts
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Music:
Soul (classic and neo), Jazz, Blues, Funk, Hip Hop, R&B, Breaks, Punk. Always open to new stuff.

Movies:
Easily pleased but not easily impressed. Show me your favourites!

Books:
I read mostly nonfiction because I'm endlessly curious about the real world. I'm always keen for good fiction recommendations though!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I once drew a picture of a rabbit that earned me two gold stars.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm a very experienced dance teacher, having taught in several countries around the world, and am more than happy to share my love of dance with anyone who's keen to learn.

I pride myself on my lightweight packing skills; I always travel carry-on-only and always have everything I need. I'd be very happy to share tips on the best gear and packing systems I've found. I'm also keen to learn from others, who have figured out even better ways to do it!

On a more intellectual note, if you ever wonder about big questions, if you're curious about weird and wonderful theories like relativity and quantum mechanics, or if you're concerned about climate change and the need for a sustainable world, I've spent more than a decade studying and researching that stuff and am always happy to chew through some big ideas over a coffee or beer.

Stuff I'd like to learn: better cooking (mine is pretty basic but slowly getting better), photography, photoshop and digital video editing, fun magic tricks, how to make amazing coffee and cocktails, singing (with proper technique).

What I Can Share with Hosts

(See above)

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Korea, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, United States

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