Instagram @jaxelix

Full-time student, part-time solo traveller going places with a backpack and a shoestring budget. Bitten by the travel bug ever since my first solo trip when I was 19 and as yet, there are no signs that it'll ever let up. I try my best in embracing local cultures, be it by eating street food or by taking local trains and buses wherever possible. I'm starting to try my thumb at hitchhiking too!

I've been a big believer of travelling more slowly, and using public transport ever since I started travelling along. I like to explore a small region in greater detail rather than rush from one famous city to the next.

I also enjoy taking local transport because its just more fun, and as a bonus, it usually costs me less and it helps with responsible and sustainable tourism, which is something I strive towards.

Speaking of sustainable tourism, even though I do fly, I would avoid taking short domestic flights where an overnight land option, like a night bus or a sleeper train, is available. I think it saves me both time and money, is more fun, and is also better for the environment.

Also, I speak fluent English and less than fluent Chinese (still very much functional though).
Je parle français.
Hablo un poco español.

If I'm headed to your country, I'll be learning some of your language. Likewise, if I host you, I'll really appreciate it if you try to pick up some nuances of Singapore-style English. It's more fun that way, isn't it? :)

I believe to do to others what you want done to yourself. If you open your home up to me, I promise to be a considerate and understanding guest.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

It'll be nice to find like-minded travellers who don't get drunk in every city they go to. Let's have a conversation over a simple meal or a drink.

I would also like to host more people to give back to the community so that other responsible travellers can extend their trips.

I'm okay if guests don't want to hang out because you already have sightseeing plans during the day (That's how I often am when I travel if I'm honest!) Likewise I'm probably too busy to show you around when I host. However, I do enjoy conversations in the evenings, so we aren't going to be strangers under the same roof.

Interests

• culture
• walking
• reading
• hiking
• history
• languages
• solo travel
• nature
• museums
• trains
• vinyl records

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: English Pop, R and B, Country from the 1980s-2010s.

Books: Historical fiction and travelogues mostly. Fan of Paul Theroux's travel writing!

Travel Writing Favourites include:
The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux
Ghost Train to the Eastern Star by Paul Theroux
Tokyo on Foot by Florian Chavouet
Travels in Siberia by Ian Frazier
Hokkaido Highway Blues by Will Fergueson
The Roads to Sata by Alan Booth

Other Favourites include:
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Animal Farm by George Orwell
The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer by Irene Gut Opdyke
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've only five days of scooter-riding experience, and I spent four of that riding 250km around the Lao countryside. Amazed that I didn't kill myself even though I has practically no experience.

Travelled around the rural parts of northern Portugal and southwest England by public transport, and on a budget! There's a sense of satisfaction figuring out the routes and timetables, and being the only strange traveller on board. I'm genuinely surprised I pulled it off because the schedules can be ridiculously bad!

Walking into and out of a desert in Oman! I also travelled around Oman without a car! It's very much possible despite what some people say, and I'm here if you need any tips if you want to do it as well.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm a history major in university right now, so perhaps I can offer you a new historical perspective to your own city. No promises that I'll be good at this but I'll try my best!

I can also help out with English and even Chinese to some extent, and it will be a great chance to practice the languages I'm learning with someone :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

If I can find a shop that sells Chinese/Asian ingredients, I can make you a (very very very) simple Singaporean dessert (Vegan-friendly!). I am, admittedly, a terrible chef, so don't have high expectations, but I will try! Hopefully, as time goes by, my "menu" will expand slightly.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, England, France, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Oman, Portugal, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Singapore