CURRENT MISSION

Trying to stay alive while checking off the list of incredible things to do in New Zealand, South Pacific and Latin America in two years!

ABOUT ME

I lived my first 20 years of my life in Kuala Lumpur (where I still call home) before I moved to Scotland to complete my studies (and to live a great life!) until reality dawned on me that I will have to look for a job elsewhere in a credit crunch. So, I descended to Singapore, made four years of incredible life out of it , then bought a one-way ticket to New Zealand before I became too old for a working holiday. Now, I find myself outside my comfort zone trying to navigate in cities that don't speak English.

We can chat about anything - languages, cultures, politics, your new haircut, the neighbour's dog. I'm always found in a map store, a coffee shop or a combination of both.

What I don't like? Gingers. The nasty things found next to a plate of sushi, not the hot, red-haired men of Scotland... Yum!

PHILOSOPHY

We have only one life, and it's up to us to make something out of it.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Before I joined CouchSurfing, I met friends on my travels and welcomed them whenever they visit. I hosted a Japanese friend and took two Swiss friends around the country and showed them what we locals know and what travellers don't.

I was an amazing experience and I really like introducing my country to friends from overseas. Equally, I also like to get to know people from the places I visit and to understand ways of life in different cultures.

Interests

My interests usually have to do with being in a place, navigating through it and experiencing the process. That's why geography, transport and languages top my list.

Music, Movies, and Books

A general selection of chill, indie, alternative music. Not a very polarised music fan.

Books on languages, humour, comedy, geography and maps. Mostly non-fiction but can be rather picky with fictions - no particular genre, depends on the story itself.

Podcasts - again on my general interests. Listening to The World in Words, BBC Documentary, Stuff You Should Know, TED and Freakonomics.

Movies: Haven't been to the films since Captain America.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Too many amazing things to single anyone out:

Listening to Yanni's dramatic "Santorini" while actually driving in Santorini.

Survived the tailwind of a hurricane in a tent in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Climbed up Taktshang Monastery in Bhutan

Dangerously free-wheeled down a hairpin curve in Taiwan topping at 60km/hr

Cycled in the peaceful islands of Turku and Åland just after the summer holidays.

Walked in a makeshift sauna naked choke full of also naked Finns (men AND women) before jumping into the crystal clear harbour waters.

Had bull sharks swimming just metres in front of me.

Went for a pig hunt in the Cook Islands and witnessed the whole slaughtering process from live pig to pork. (Not particularly amazing but certainly life-changing)

Swam with humpback whales in Moorea, Tahiti

Swam with curious sea lions in the Galapagos

Saw the most amazing sunset in Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Feeling the thunderous energy close up at the Iguazu Falls

Teach, Learn, Share

One thing I like to do for hosts is to cook them a meal. I'm not a great chef, but I'm always eager to experiment with new recipes. Don't think I'll score with food critics, but definitely with people who appreciate a great conversation over a half-baked quiche.

Also, I'm more than happy to practice conversation skills with English or Chinese learners.

In the odd chance that you'll need architectural advice for your roof, toilet or kitchen, help can be dispensed too.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Like I've mentioned, I love experimenting with new recipes. As long as you prefer the ensuing conversation rather than the food itself, you'll be in for a homemade meal.

If you're an English or Chinese learner, I'm happy to practise it with you. I don't really like leaving the beds undone or the dishes unwashed. I love dogs and cats and if you have one, I'm more than happy to take them for a walk or feed them while you're away.

Most importantly, I can offer you my contact if you need a place to stay whenever you visit my city next :)

You might see that I'm quite talkative by now...

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, American Samoa, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, French Polynesia, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Macao, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Samoa, Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Tonga, Turkey, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom

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