Hello, my name is Ilse!

I really like to laugh and learn, these are the things I do everyday the most.

I like to discover many cultures, arts, food, languages, learn new things, and try to make people smile with my (strange kind of) humor. I like to be creative, but I am not always so good at it. On my bucket list: learning to play one song on the harmonica and get some salsa classes (ultimate goal: to dance a complete song without stepping on my partners feet).

My strangest talent is to draw the stripes of a zebra!

I quit my job in March 2021 to travel, experience and learn. I had such a great time that my travel lasted a bit more than expected. After I went back to Europe and worked again for a year, my travelbug started to itch again and I decided once more to quit and discover. A decision I do not regret. This time my travel will only be in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia.

I love the couchsurfing spirit and already met so many amazing people through this community. I hope to get the chance to get some more awesome experiences and friends for life!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love to travel, meeting new people, share experiences, cultures and food!

I think it is a great way to learn about the ways of local people and the area where you stay, so you don't do only the touristy things.

In the future I hope to host couchsurfers as well and show them all the nice spots in my town (or country if I go back to Belgium, because it is a small country). But for now I have sold my house and I am traveling (I don't know how long it will be).

Interests

Literally interested in everything!

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I really like to listen to any genre of music. But if I must pick my most listened artist and genres I would say: Jazz and Rap, Ludovico Einaudi, Eminem, Jamie Cullum, Max Richter

Books: I am not really a book reader. I try every year a few times, but never finish books. Unless it is about psychology or philosophy explained.
I started reading '7 years in Tibet' this trip, so I hope I will finish it by the time I get home. (P.s.: after 3 years still didn't finish the book)

Movies: Les Intouchables is one of my topfavorite movies. The movie Anastasia, this movie literally saved my life, I will tell the story when we meet!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I did a trekking to Everest Base Camp (and reached it as well :)) as a tribute to a friend.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach Dutch or I can teach you how to swim, as I was a swimming instructor.

And I love to learn many new things.
For instance, in Nepal I learned how to make many things out of Bamboo.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I like to stay active, so I am into doing/learning many things.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Croatia, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, China, Portugal