Hi my name's Jay and I am a teacher working in the amazing city of Saigon. I am originally from London in the UK but came out to Asia to experience life abroad and I am so happy to have taken that step!

I have experience of long-term travelling after spending a sabbatical year backpacking around SE Asia, New Zealand and Australia (definitely my best experience ever!) and want to be able to play host and help you along on your own incredible journey.

There is so much to discover and experience here in Ho Chi Minh City so I'd be thrilled to be able to host you!

I am a very reliable, honest, laid-back person who is up for a laugh. I enjoy the chance to experience new things and am always up for trying something new; I hitchhiked around New Zealand and did 3 bungee jumps and a skydive!

PHILOSOPHY

Be kind to others and honest with yourself - make the most of life!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have couch surfed in Tokyo and for a month in Munich and absolutely loved it - I think it is a great way of gaining a true experience of a city/town. I am so glad to finally have my own space in a good location to finally host others!

Interests

I thrive on new experiences and the opportunity to explore new countries and cultures. If there is a cuisine I haven't tried or an activity I have not done then I am willing to throw myself into it. Even the chance to couch surf is a new and exciting concept for me! I like sporting activities, especially those that get the adrenaline pumping! I made the most of the activities in Queenstown, New Zealand - seeing exactly why it is the adrenaline capital! I am quite active and love getting around on my Boardman hybrid bike and have also recently started swimming on a regular basis. Also love watching football (Come on you Gunners!).

I love photography as well as video editing, after jumping on the GoPro bandwagon and kept a video diary of my backpacking adventures.

I also love music and have a highly eclectic taste (mainly oldies), that has been fuelled by the fact that I enjoy playing the guitar, which I taught myself to play when I was 16. I have played a few open mic nights and get the chance to play at the school I work at - we have put on shows of Mamma Mia!, Blues Brothers and Fame! I'm a big fan of musicals too!

• photography
• marathon
• running
• traveling
• survival
• music
• guitar
• blues
• cycling
• hiking
• surfing
• bungee jumping
• sports
• swimming
• extreme sports
• teaching
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm a fan of discovering music, books and films from the past - I am fascinated by the decades before I was born! I am most passionate about music and have an eclectic taste with my music library ranging from 80's synthpop, progressive rock, motown, disco, alternative rock and hip-hop. I love 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway' by Genesis.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I hiked the Inca Trail a few Summers ago and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life! The history, Macchu Picchu and its surroundings were incredible but it was the actual journey and the chance to meet other travellers which really made the experience for me. It seemed like a great big adventure and fuelled my passion for travel!

Also I was on a live TV gameshow in the UK with the chance to win one million pounds! Unfortunately, I didn't win any money :s

Teach, Learn, Share

I taught myself to play the guitar to the level where I am able to play a few songs for my own entertainment.

My parents are Thai and I have a good understanding of the language but need to make a greater effort to speak it myself.

I am a teacher and have experience teaching children.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A love of travel and learning from others.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Cambodia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

New Zealand, Thailand, United Kingdom, Viet Nam