Open-minded and curious academic, looking for new challenges, travelers and friends.

Working Holiday Visum (PVT) holder, visiting Canada till Sept. '25 - Loving it so far here. Trying to stay in Québec until printemps. Will host as well, when I find work and rent a flat - though currently it's more 'travel'.

As an academic, I worked as an scientific researcher, university teacher and as a development engineer in medical industry. I work voluntarily in the field of sustainability (solar power).

In my free time I practice Kung Fu, dance alot (Ballroom/Latin, other social pair dances like Salsa, Bachata). I have a history in competitive sports, university politics and communal political activism.

I enjoy experiencing new people, discovering their way of life, talking and exchanging ideas about climate, health, community, justice, dreams and wishes.

I easily accept private space, I keep my surroundings clean, help wherever I can. But I need some private space for myself as well. I try to stay organized as I don't like hectic. Taking breaks and cooling down from everyday business is important to me. Nature helps me to relax. I like to take naps :)

Some of my 'strange' habits:
- I sold my car because I didn't need it anymore,
- I live(d) without a fridge for the past two years,
- I don't use services for rented media, like Netflix, Spotify or Amazon.
- I quit watching TV when I was in school.
- I'm keeping a dream diary,
- I frequent night clubs to dance.
- I don't have and I don't use any social media.

I'm looking forward meeting you!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I like to share time, knowledge, fun, culture and ideas with people. People I meet here are open-minded, friendly and welcoming to strangers. CS gives travelers access to 'affordable' space - compared to other services.

Also, I'm not a tourist, I'm a traveler - you know the difference.

Interests

• dancing
• electronics
• science
• nature
• sustainability
• kung fu
• dreams
• mental health
• languages and cultures
• solar energy
• culture exchange
• physical health

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm not a reader, but I enjoy Sci-fi movies and series. Especially about space and technology. I only consume this kind of media very rarely nowadays. But let's go to a cinema or theater together!

Top rated movie series: Back to the Future (1985+)
Top rated single movie: Inception (2010)
Top rated series: Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005) and Battlestar Galactica (2004)

Go visit the Rocky Horror Picture Show on Halloween. I had an exceptional funny night in Montréal '24!

I enjoy most kinds of music. My favorites are soundtracks (OST) from movies, games, and television. I like specific electronic music and I grew up with Metal.

For some OST impressions, listen to:
http://www.streamingsoundtracks.com/

Some electronic favourites:
M83, Daft Punk, BT, Junkie XL, Lindsey Stirling

I also developed a like for any music you can dance to, especially:
Electronic Swing, Contemporary Pop and Nightclub music, old school Rock, Waltzes and whatever hits the mood!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Meeting a stranger in Canada, sharing a two weeks trip in a caravan with that stranger, forming a new friendship.

Teach, Learn, Share

I see it as a social responsibility to share knowledge, especially as an academic - since we are the holder of knowledge literally. I will happily share anything physics related with you.

This responsibility is also part of Kung Fu. In Kung Fu, you are taught to teach while learning it. I project this behavior onto my everyday doings and I advertise anyone to do the same. While teaching or sharing any experience, you learn so much about yourself, like "Is this a fact or just my opinion?", "Do I believe in something or do I know something?". Reflecting thoughts like that with others will furthermore form relationships on a more personal level.

In the end it's the relationship between us humans that decides our fate. Approaching each other open-minded will help us making peace, even if we don't share the same opinion.

What I Can Share with Hosts

The story of my life :)
I like to cook/bake in and for groups. I can share my knowledge of Kung Fu with you, my history in competitive sports, I can bore you with 'how does university politics work', I can show you some basic dancing steps - as lead or follow - and I'm open for any discussion you like. I did several scientific projects in my free time as well, I can tell you about.

Here are some of my unpopular opinions we can have a chat on:
- Data protection and privacy is a fundamental right.
- I don't really differentiate between animal rights and plant rights. Have you heard about the Jain culture? Thanks to Viraj (CS) giving me insight on that!
- You pay a price for every garbage you produce.
- (Social) activism and services in your free time should stay free of money.
- I think money is a tool that must be used and not stored - I don't like money.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Germany