CURRENT MISSION

Miko Mission

ABOUT ME

I was born in the city of Mechelen in Belgium, and grew up in the nearby industrial town of Willebroek, a town of the sorts which Bruce Springsteen could probably write beautiful songs about. I spent my first six years there, until moving to the United States for the next seven. This was an introduction to international life, to meeting people from all of the world, and to having friends born on completely different continents than your own. It started a life-long belief in the interconnectedness of humanity despite cultural differences, and the realization that there's so much to see in the world. It also conveniently left me with improved English skills and the American love for elaborate conversation and grand stories.

I moved back to Belgium when I was 13, and spent my awkward teenage years back in my hometown, being reacquainted with my fellow Belgians and their ways. Started university in Brussels at 18, and did my best to spread my wings as much as possible. Did an Erasmus exchange in the Czech Republic, which was an amazing experience and confirmed the interconnectedness of all humanity regardless of origins. I'm currently finishing up my master's dissertation, and will be in the Philippines for 2.5 months to do research.

I like to think of myself as a laid-back guy who likes to meet new people and talk about all sorts of things. I enjoy the unique and the quirky, especially during those profound moments you'd never expect to experience. I've found that pretty much anyone has interesting things to tell, and that taking the time to listen to these things can strongly elaborate the human experience. I'm always up for a beer, going walkabout, a party, or whatever other options may drop by!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I'm a new member to CouchSurfing, but have done so once before via my girlfriend, who's a long-time member of the scene. For the moment I'm mostly keen on getting to know new & interesting people, but once I graduate from student life and move into (hopefully) more spacious accommodations I'm definitely interested in hosting some people!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

My only real surfing experience was definitely nice - two lovely American women who hosted my girlfriend and I while in Madrid, and took us out to dinner and off to parties. For the rest, I've noticed that CouchSurfers are generally sociable and likable people, judging from the times I've met them in the past, and the people in my life who I know are avid participants. It definitely makes it worth meeting some of them!

Interests

• beer
• partying
• socializing
• surfing
• study abroad

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, Czech Republic, Philippines, United States