Starting with the basics, I'm British. For five years, I lived in Berlin, Germany. I'd describe myself as politically engaged, but I'm by no means in the heavy weight class of social changers.

I like to read. Though I spend as much time talking about what I read as I do actually reading. Yet, isn't that part of the story process? The absorbing, reflecting and retelling of the story. I'm especially keen on travel literature, the blending of internal and external journeys. And I'm always fond of The Great American Novel, or the great Australian, Colombian, Russian or wherever novel. I'd be grateful for any recommendations you may have!

Life to me is largely about stories. The world in some very fundamental ways is created through the stories that we tell ourselves and each other. If we tell ourselves that we are all self-interested, we are more likely to act out of self-interest. However, if we could change our stories of ourselves and others, we can change the world around us.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've been very fortunate in the people I've met through Couchsurfing. I had the most amazing time in Colombia, which was only possible because of the warmth and generosity offered to me from Couchsurfers. If I could offer back to the community some of the goodwill I experienced in Colombia, I'd be happy.

Arriving in a new and unfamiliar place can be extremely daunting, but the Couchsurfing community turns such arrivals into experiences to be cherished. It allows the traveller, me or you, to go beyond being a passive tourist.

Interests

I enjoy being outdoors and talking.

• books
• literature
• reading
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• volunteering

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Between July and November 2018, I cycled from Izmir, Turkey to Almaty, Kazakhstan via the Pamir mountains.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Conversation. I also really enjoy to listen. There are some amazing story tellers on Couchsurfing.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Chile, Colombia, Georgia, Hong Kong, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Germany, United Kingdom