CURRENT MISSION

Get to know my new home town better, and explore the places I haven't visited before in Europe.

ABOUT ME

Characterwise, I think I can be pretty German sometimes - in terms of being organised and punctual, though I don't really mind if other people aren't. You can see it as an advantage, if you're going to stay with me or host me, you can be sure I'm reliable.

Having lived abroad for several years has given me a wider perspective of the great scheme of things. I find that I'm less passionate about petty issues anymore, more passionate about enjoying life, and more willing to listen to others. In general, I'm a pretty relaxed person, curious about local cultures, history and the local food (four years of chasing southeast Asian street food had a profund influence on me) and always keen to learn new stuff. I enjoy traveling, I like nature (hiking, water sports, and so on), sports (especially running) and more geeky stuff such as good books and board games.

PHILOSOPHY

Live and let live, mostly. That sounds so simple, and I guess it is actually pretty simple. I don't want other people to tell me how to live my life, so how can I make rules for others, or judge their decisions?

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Up to now, I've been the one to couchsurf most of the time, since I wasn't able to host before. That has changed now, and I'm looking forward to hosting travelers at my place. Apart from that, I used to join activities in Singapore while I lived there (the CS community there is really amazing, I think without them I would know the city only half as well), and I'm hoping to find a similar community in Cologne as well.

So far I have couchsurfed around Southeast Asia and Australia. I had really amazing experiences, with a lot of chances to meet and talk to local people. Probably wouldn't have seen some of the less touristic sides of these the countries I couchsurfed in without CS. On my trip to Taiwan, I even slept on an actual couch, after a wonderful tour through Tamsui at night.

Interests

I enjoy being in the nature (hiking, running, mountaineering, or simply walking around taking pictures).

I enjoy good books (English and German fiction, non-fiction covering history or politics, the occasional French book if I feel like a challenge), theater (Shakespeare in the park, and outdoor events in Germany if I get the chance), and the occasional movie.

I like all sports that somehow involve wind and water, preferably both. I love sailing, and want to do it more often.

Oh, and somehow I have gotten into running. Especially trails are fun, and I have big plans for future runs.

• birds
• books
• theater
• perfumes
• dining
• running
• walking
• flying
• politics
• board games
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• mountaineering
• sailing
• sports
• rock climbing
• history
• languages
• mountains

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Climbing mountains I never thought I could climb, spending nights in the jungle listening to the cries of mysterious birds, seeing thousands of flying fox cover the sky at dusk in Borneo...

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm doing okay in the kitchen and might be able to show you a thing or two, and I'm absolutely keen to learn from you. Other than that, languages maybe?

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