I'm a global citizen, recently back in Belgium after about 5 years abroad in Hong Kong, China, Germany, and Japan. My studies mostly concerned Asian area studies, history, culture, and religion. Last years I spent time working in a hotel in Kyoto. Whenever possible I like to travel and travel slow, and I suppose living somewhere is the slowest you can go! I usually travel solo and have been around places in Asia and Europe mostly. Future travel goals are getting to know my home region better, as well as following the old Silk Route from Europe through Central and East Asia.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

In my experience I've always found travel the most fun and meaningful if I'm able to meet new people and challenge my own ways of looking at the world. I tend to get bored rushing around famous places and checking things off a list on a crammed itinerary. I think couchsurfing allows me to really connect with the places and people I go to, rather than just passing through.

Interests

Even though I'm done being a student, cultural history and religious philosophy are still some of my favourite topics to delve into. I'm particularly fascinated by journeys and exchanges, and the surprises and mysteries they contain. Unsurprisingly then, I like to visit historical and religious sites wherever I go. The outdoors has also been one of my favourite place to spend time in, so I try to head into nature when I have the opportunity and breath in the its beauty. Other than this, learning (about) languages makes me really happy! I've studied Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, and some other languages too. Recently I started exploring the Uyghur language.
Undeniably food is a big part of what makes travel amazing for me. Some of my favourites are Chinese Muslim cuisine, North Indian and Nepali dishes, and Italian!

• culture
• history
• religion
• europe
• asia
• slow travel

Music, Movies, and Books

I generally listen to hiphop, RnB, and Jazz. Also a touch of classical and traditional folk music.
For reading, I mostly like historical fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi, as well as academic and political books relating to my interests. My interest in films mostly aligns with the books, I like period pieces and sci-fi. Usually prefer to watch somewhat slow-paced and thoughtful films.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Hopefully some refreshing conversations about travel, languages, history, philosophy, and just the world in general! Maybe top it off with some moments of mindful enjoyment. I'm always willing to help people learn about my native language, Dutch, or any other language I know a bit about.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Cambodia, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Macao, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Taiwan, Tunisia, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan