Trying to experience life and find my Graceland by exploring other countries, meeting people, getting to know more about their lives, experiences and dreams, and learning about their country through their eyes. For the time being I am based in Rotterdam. Through hosting I would like to contribute and give back to this community.

I have a background in international governance and development, but I am moving away from the multilateral to the local. Contributing to resilient, responsible and independent communities is my purpose. Life is about connection, cooperation and harmony and we need to nurture that both as individuals, as communities, and within our political, economic and health systems.

Apart from this I love being outdoors - sensing and taking in nature and life (that being both in the city or outside, in nature), listening to all kinds of music, reading novels, being with friends and talk about both the ordinary as well as the deep stuff.

The thing that gives me energy the most is when you really 'see' others (and vice versa), see their faces, and see how their eyes light up when they talk about their dreams and what drives them in life. Experiencing this - to me - is a vital part of what makes us human.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am on CS because I feel that CS can be a more fulfilling and meaningful way to discover new countries and meet new people, and in the reverse discover more about yourself and who you would like to be in this world.
Through hosting I would like to give others similar opportunities.

Interests

• writing
• literature
• dancing
• live music
• hiking
• philosophy
• nature
• spirituality

Music, Movies, and Books

My music taste stretches from classical to Tuareg to indiepop and Dutch melodramatic folk music and always eager to discover new genres (music tips are most welcome!!), but Paul Simon's Graceland is an album (and song) very close to my heart.

Into the Wild is a movie that moved me in ways I have since never experienced again

Book-wise I can say with utmost certainty that Richard Powers' The Overstory has been a monumental game- and soulchanger, allowing me to explore the depths of nature's connection, collaboration and harmony and guiding me in finding purpose and intention.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

My first solo trip to Berlin in beginning of 2022 is a trip close to my heart as it has definitely been one of the most life-turning ones and accelerated my growth as a person. Walking through Berlin alone, going to an Afrobeat live concert at a jazz bar, having these little everyday interactions with others all gave me so much inspiration and made my soul and heart smile in a way it hadn't in a while.
It also gave me the trust that I was going on the right path, and the energy to keep on pursuing this one. Later in 2022 this path led me to travelling through South Asia, the Middle East and Southern Africa.
Above all else, this trip grounded me, showing me I am my own physical home.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A friendly and open soul who listens and values meaningful connection and who enjoys learning about life.

(Obviously) Most important, I can make you some (hopefully) fine cappuccino with some sometimes questionable but sometimes successful latte art.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, France, India, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Namibia, Nepal, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United States, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Netherlands