Jim Al's Photo

Verified Profile

  • Payment verified
  • Phone verified
  • Government ID not verified

Not Accepting Guests

  • Last login 3 months ago

Join Couchsurfing to see Jim’s full profile.

Overview

  • 20 references 16 Confirmed & Positive
  • Fluent in English; learning Chinese (Simplified)
  • 39, Male
  • Member since 2014
  • Engineer
  • Doctorate
  • No hometown listed
  • Profile 100% complete

About Me

------------------------------------------

-2016 Update:

My main reason for getting involved in Couchsurfing is to reciprocate the kindness I experienced when travelling through Asia. Meeting so many kind and welcoming people (not only through Couchsurfing) had such a positive impact on my trip that I wanted to offer the same to people visiting the UK.

I am British and have lived in and around London almost my entire life. I think the UK is a beautiful country and will take the time to share information with you and help you during your visit.

I currently live on the outskirts of London so staying with me may give you the opportunity to see a different area that you wouldn't otherwise see. There are parks and canals to explore and I have a spare bike that I can lend to you. I will try and post some pics of the local area for you to see. If you prefer to go into the city, there is a fast train that takes 22min to reach the center. The cost is around £5 and you can use an Oyster card.

At the moment I am playing a lot of badminton and tennis so if this interests you let me know and we can play together :)

I know that it is difficult to find host but I am am more likely to accept a response from someone who has spent the time to read my profile. I don't expect an essay but a couple of lines would be nice!

I am now in a full time job so my travel is on pause but my ambition is to host someone from every continent :) Although so far all my guests have been from Asia. Come-on rest of the World!

------------------------------------

In September 2014, after many years of dreaming, I decided to quit my job and travel the world! On my journey I hope to experience different cultures, broaden my knowledge and see the beauty of the planet first hand.

I have studied a masters and a doctorate in renewable energy and hope to share my skills with those that need it by volunteering on eco projects in each of the countries I visit. So far I have learnt a lot about permaculture, built a solar powered irrigation system in Hong Kong and in Taiwan I worked on carpentry to convert old shipping containers into accommodation for volunteers.

I am an open-minded, friendly and honest person. I really enjoy meeting new people and learning about them. I will help out wherever I can and be respectful of you and your home. I am always up for exploring so if you would like someone to hang out and explore then I will be up for it :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I think it is an awesome way to meet new people and make friends all over the world. I will be travelling until September 2014 so will not be able to host anyone in the UK until then but I look forward to sharing my place in London with fellow travellers once I return!

Interests

I don't think I was made to live indoors. In HK I spent 2 months working, eating and sleeping outdoors. It was such an amazing feeling. I also love being outside and active. I love to bike, run, snowboard and swim.

I am also a keen photographer. One of my favourite things to do is just wander around people watching and taking in my surroundings. I have been trying to keep a photo blog but I am way too busy, hopefully one day I will find a way to catch up.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines. Getting an invite from some monks on Facebook to spend the night in their temple. Witnessing the sea of clouds in Sagada. Karaoke in a hello kitty bar in Korea which was surprisingly fun. Hitch hiking up the coast of Taiwan and meeting some of the most generous people I have ever known. All day hiking in Hong Kong and not seeing a single other person. Building a solar powered irrigation system in HK. Manning a wood fired clay pizza oven for Chinese New Year. Cycled from London to Bristol and then brewing my own beer.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have a qualification in teaching English, show you how to brew beer and take you to some great places to take photos.

What I Can Share with Hosts

If you come to the UK I would gladly return the favour. I think the UK is a beautiful country and if you visit I can show you around :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Switzerland, United Kingdom

Join Couchsurfing to see Jim’s full profile.