I'm a historical researcher, currently waiting for a decision on my PhD proposal. In my free time, I'm also a musician who plays with several groups. Other than that, my interests can be all over the place. I can enjoy a good book as much as a rave.

I grew up on the crossroads of multiple cultures and from a young age used this vantage point to observe and to learn all I can about the craziness of the human condition. Whether it's the overt chaos of life in Egypt, or the hidden insanity of suburban life in the West, I've always considered myself to be an observer of the incredibly varied ways people try to add value to their lives, and as I grow older my curiosity has only gotten bigger.

I'm an open-minded person, open to meeting with and learning from a wide variety of people. I don't tend to be a big planner, instead I enjoy letting the flow of life take me where it will.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Because there's a certain charm to being invited into someone's home in a foreign country. All the tourist hotspots in the world can never tell us as much about the actual life of locals as a short stay in their home. As a solo traveller, having these local insights is a huge plus. I want to discover the actual life at my destinations, and not just the fancy buildings I can see on Google Maps.

While I wish I could've returned the favour before leaving, sadly I do not live in a room where I can easily host right now. Hopefully in the future!

Interests

• arts
• clubbing
• politics
• live music
• philosophy
• psychology
• techno
• youth culture
• history and culture

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy listening to everything from jazz to techno and most of what's in between, though I've got a weak spot for indie rock or pop - think Modest Mouse or Beach House.

When it comes to movies and books, I enjoy things that don't follow conventions. The wilder, the better.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hiked to the top of a Norwegian mountain without a trail (we got lost) and witnessed the northern lights that same night.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach some basic music stuff (think guitar, bass, drums) - though I'm definitely not the best myself. I'm also sometimes knowledgeable on niche bits of knowledge about random things.
I would love to learn more about local cuisines, whether for eating or cooking it. I also love to discover more about the history of places, by which I don't necessarily mean the big history of rulers, but the small histories of regular people and the cities they live in.
I would love to share talks on the weirdness of the world, 'compare our notes' so to speak.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A simple meal, random trivia, and good vibes.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Croatia, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, United Arab Emirates, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, Switzerland