ABOUT ME

My name is Hung, but you can just call me Kiki. Everyone does so! I'm a medical graduate from Vietnam, studying psychology and sociology in the UK at the moment. Apart from being a medic/psychology student, I used to be an English teacher, an interpreter and an acoustic singer. Guess I'm always a child trying to find his way through this world. Don't know if I can ever be fully grown-up and deal smoothly with all social expectations. But it's not that big a deal, isn't it?

I just wish to live a life full of experiences, maybe that's why I keep moving about looking for new things to do and never settle. I'll probably change my mind someday, but let's just explore for now!

About me, let's say: a big daydreamer, with wild imagination and great curiosity. I'm eager to get to know people, enjoy conversations and might become quite talkative over time, so beware!

PHILOSOPHY

- Get to know yourself is the first step towards greatness.
- A life without challenges will leave you bored very soon.
- Invest your money on experiences, not on goods.
- "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do" - Mark Twain

Por qué estoy en Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I was too caught up in daily tasks and meeting expectations of others to appreciate life, until the day I first backpacked to another country. To cut a long story short, as I saw people living a very different life, with different choices and values, I started questioning my own priorities and began to think different. It was how travelling has changed my life completely. I'm now following a path I'd never thought of when I was younger, and I'm happy with it.

But the downside of this is that it leads me to a constant state of bankruptcy, as every penny I earn I mostly spend it on travelling!!

Why Couchsurfing? It's simply the best way to immerse yourself to local lifestyle, isn't it? And to know great, like-minded people! To make your trip not just a holiday-getaway, but a meaningful experience!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Unforgettable memories, friends for life and loads of stories to tell, that's what I've gained through Couchsurfing, both hosting and surfing. Couldn't host last year as I was in university halls, but now I'm sharing my flat with 3 other students, so why not? My room is pretty small so I didn't think of hosting at first, but who knows, if my guest has the same values as I do, that sleeping place is not as important as the experiences you make :) Potential guests please look at 'My Home' section for a more detailed description.

Intereses

My interest really varies, from spontaneous travelling to academic research and creative writing, etc. (There're some failed attempts to be a poet and a book that can never be finished). I'm also very passionate and can bore you to death with my views on social issues (environmental problems, human rights, animals welfare, etc.). Blame my sociology professors, it's all their fault :D

These above sound a bit nerdy, I admit. On the other hand, I spend a lot of time exploring the city with friends, going to gigs, festivals and cultural events, grabbing a few drinks. On a calmer note, very often you'll find me looking for comfort in solitude walks in the park, on the beach or anywhere with lots of trees.

Música, películas y libros

I'm an enormous fan of reading. I've found some very strong connection with some French authors, namely Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Patrick Modiano, Alphonse Daudet, etc. but I do read A LOT... Favourite? The list goes on forever, but here are a few that are more popular: Anne of green gables, Uncle Tom's cabin, The little prince, etc.

I prefer some movies that can bring about strong emotions or can get you thinking, or imagining. Some favourite include Dead Poets Society, Gattaca, The Matrix, Before Sunrise Trilogy, etc. Still, A LOT as well...

Musique? Indie and Jazz mostly, but very easy-going, as long as it's not some cheesy nonsense Mr. Bieber usually sings about (Sorry...).

Algo increíble que he hecho

- I once came to India as a volunteer for 2 months, taking care of people with autism and mental disabilities. It was a life-changing experience. I realised that I was much bigger than I'd ever thought.

- 3 months volunteering (teaching in the Czech Republic) then back-packing and hitchhiking around Europe, being overwhelmed by the kindness of humanity.

- Cycling from the West Coast to the East Coast of England on the Way of the Roses (sounds fancy, but trust me, roses have thorns, big ones... :D).

- Tracing back to where my Mom and Dad first met, where they used to live and work (30 years ago and halfway around the world from where we are living now). Then surprising them with a phone call from the other side of the globe, letting them talk to people they never thought they could meet and talk again. Their reaction was priceless!

- Last but not least, raising my kitten to pee and poo right in the toilet hole (if it counts as an amazing achievement)!

OK, OK, I know I've made quite a list here rather than just 'One amazing thing..' but when you travel, amazing things come in packs, don't they?

Enseña, aprende, comparte

I hope to learn as much as possible about other countries outside Vietnam. I may not be there soon but my imagination will do the trick :)

I'm also willing to share my thoughts about everything and exchange my stories with you.

Qué puedo ofrecer a los anfitriones

My (annoying) singing voice if anyone fancy it!!

Stories and ideas. I'm kind of a nerd and can go on endlessly about something I'm passionate about (there're many of them!).

Países que he visitado

Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States

Países en los que he vivido

Czech Republic, India, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom, Viet Nam