All I can say is that if it weren't for this bloody program, I wouldn't have the opportunity to stay in Germany for the next 3 years.

I left Canada on June 30th, 2016, and started traveling around Europe (17 years old at the time), until August when I was hosted by my lovely new German family (Joerdis featured in my profile picture).

I had intended to stay for 3 days, but it soon became clear that we truly liked each other and 3 days would not suffice. I extended to 1 week, and on the way to Bremen HBF, Jö offered me to return and stay/work in Verden.

After traveling through Austria, Hungary, Italy, and France, I returned to Germany and started settling in and learning the language. In January I will start a 3 year "ausbildung" or apprenticeship to become a sales professional. For now I have a job in a small café, and am quickly catching on to German.

I hope you guys find a little inspiration in this story, because I never in a million years had dreamt that something such as Couchsurfing could literally turn my life upside down, and provide me with so many exciting opportunities!

As for me, well, since I will be here when Jö and Andreas host you, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn and share with me!

I look forward to meeting you, cooking with you, and sharing stories!

Joshua

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Because it's the coolest thing EVER! Why not enjoy a locals company when traveling (plus it's free)?? Aaaaand, people on here are usually well traveled which is such a good quality :)))

Interests

• culture
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• drinking
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• hiking
• backpacking
• history
• travel

Music, Movies, and Books

Books:
-Julia Child- My Life in France
-Julia Child- Mastering the Art of French Cooking Vol. 1&2
-Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, William L. Shirer
-Simca's Cuisine
-J.R.R. Tolkein's The Lord of the Rings
-Provence, 1970, Luke Barr

Movies:
-Iron Lady
-Julie and Julia
-Indiana Jones
-House of Cards

Music:
Édith Piaf
Julie London
Annie Lenox
Louis Armstrong
Charles Trenet
Jacques Brel
Adele
Classic Rock

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Climbed to the top of Breitenburg in the German alps!
Moved to Germany
Started to understand German... Wow
Worked on an Italian olive grove
Got past an evil Icelandic customs officer

Teach, Learn, Share

Jack of all trades, master of none. One minute discussing fashion, the next skinning rabbits, or making sauerkraut... Reading history or dancing in a club. Really it depends on you :'D

What I Can Share with Hosts

My wonderful company, and my experiences, and sometimes cooking (depends really), or maybe we can just eat out and have a drink :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Germany