Hi I'm Erik! I'm a graduate student and researcher interested in protecting nature and I also teach at a university. I'm a curious and open-minded person who's always looking to learn about new things, but especially culture. I feel like learning about different cultures can really free your mind, teach you not to judge, and show you that there are other ways to live!

I want to learn how to enjoy anything, so I try to give everything a try. I've had various hobbies in my life so I think we'll have some interests in common. I've played in a Jazz band, I used to do some skateboarding and breakdancing, I've built my own bicycle, baked sourdough bread, sewed myself a halloween costume, et cetera.

Nowadays a lot of my time goes into my PhD research, so I haven't enjoyed a lot of these hobbies in a while, but I did make time for sports. This past year I had a lot of fun playing tennis, soccer, and volleyball. I also like rock climbing, and do yoga twice a week.

In my life I hope to keep making friends from around the world, exchange ideas with them, share some laughs, and have fun together.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I think the thing I enjoy most in life is spending time with cool people, experiencing and learning new things, and having interesting conversations. I've heard good things about CS and I feel like it's the perfect place for that!

Interests

• culture
• cooking
• beer
• coffee
• yoga
• meditation
• gardening
• reading
• bouldering
• music
• jazz
• guitar
• cycling
• hiking
• sailing
• skiing
• rock climbing
• philosophy
• nature
• sewing
• indie rock
• japanese

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC
Mos Def, ゲスの極み乙女, Tame Impala

MOVIES
Fight Club, City of God

BOOKS
Kurt Vonnegut

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I went to the amazon to do some research on termites, and I saw so many cool animals while I was there. I saw some bullet ants, which have one of the most painful sting out of all animals on the planet, various wild monkeys, a bushmaster (very dangerous snake), and much more!

Teach, Learn, Share

If you want to learn English I would be happy to teach you. I used to work at an English school, so I have a little experience doing that. If you can teach me Japanese that'd be great, especially idioms! I would also love to learn how to cook your favourite dish.

But I'm happy to learn anything really, and I'm happy to share or teach whatever I can if it interests you.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A good conversation, positive attitude, random knowledge about various things. I can help out with chores or cooking, or maybe just buy us dinner. Just let me know how I can do my part!

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Czech Republic, Dominica, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, Oman, Peru, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada