Unfortunately I am not hosting right now, but I am currently in Cape Town and would love to meet up.
- If you are interested in attending one of my monthly "Around the World" dinners, please contact me at kirstenm92@gmail.com and I can tell you more!
- If you are female, you're welcome to join my Facebook group Girls of Cape Town: https://www.facebook.com/groups/girlsofcapetown

I am a young traveler (aren't we all) from the heart of Cape Town, South Africa. In 2016 I spent a year traveling this beautiful earth, and for now I am home and ready to continue the journey. Some of the most incredible things can happen right on your doorstep (and this certainly is not difficult when living in Cape Town!)

Although born an introvert, I am fairly outgoing and generally you'll find me with a smile on my face and a curious and calm demeanor. I am also hardworking and driven when I am motivated to achieve something. Life is about finding that sweet balance and I feel (hope) I am on my way there.
I am always keen to meet new people from all walks of life and cultures; to learn their stories and share with them my own experiences, perspectives, and of course hometown when I'm around.

I have branded myself as a "web psychologist" and I combine my psychology degree and career in web development to create online communities where people can connect.

I enjoy a variety of other activities, including running medium distances, playing the piano, writing on my website, sampling new food, languages, sitting by a warm fire with a glass of local red wine, and these days very occasionally hitting the pubs and having a solid night out!

Check out my online profiles - let's connect!

Website: http://kirstentravels.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/kirstenmeintjes/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/girlsofcapetown/
Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/kirsten.meintjes
Workaway: http://www.workaway.info/workawayerprofile.html?w=kirstenm92

I wrote my thesis on social media (completed October 2015) and a fair amount includes CouchSurfing... would love to share my insights on this with you too :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

When home: Although I unfortunately cannot house anybody right now, I am still very much keen to connect with and meet people passing through my beautiful city. Whether it is simply to give you a suggestion of what to do around here, or to meet up and have a conversation that would otherwise never have taken place (think about that!), I am eager to connect :)

When traveling: I am on here for reasons beyond getting a roof over my head. I believe in slow travel and one way to do this is to get immersed within communities, living with locals and by their norms. Couchsurfing is a more short-term method of this sort of travel, but it still provides an opportunity for a unique interaction and sharing of culture, background, and stories.

Interests

My interests are pretty much the convergence of psychology, science, education, technology, and the context in which we find ourselves living on this planet in this day and age. I am wildly curious about far too many things...!

• culture
• photography
• education
• dining
• wine
• running
• aviation
• technology
• traveling
• blogging
• music
• piano
• astronomy
• communications
• teaching
• medicine
• psychology
• quantum physics
• web development
• quantum theory
• fermi paradox

Music, Movies, and Books

The tunes of Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, Pearl Jam, Jimi Hendrix are generally found playing in my car (which is relatively seldom these days since I switched over to podcasts). I really enjoy some good jazz/blues in the background too.

There is quite a big trance music scene in Cape Town and nothing gets me more prepared for a running race than a good dose of psytrance.
I basically like everything that isn't played on commercial radio ;)

I mostly enjoy non-fiction, and/or philosophical books. Amongst my favourite authors are Eckhart Tolle, Paulo Coehlo, Alan Watts, Malcolm Gladwell, and more recently Yuval Noah Harari.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

- Skinny dipped in bioluminescence on a remote island in Thailand
- I've bungee jumped from the highest bungee jump bridge in the world - Bloukrans!
- I have a mild aviation (and general adrenaline) obsession and have been in an L39

Teach, Learn, Share

I have created and am running a skills exchange project. I would love for you to participate!
Read more about this on my website: www.kirstentravels.com

What I Can Share with Hosts

I carry 25 years of a unique life with me, having grown up in a third world country yet am privileged to have a first world education. This has cultivated a unique perspective in my opinion, which is further supplemented by my travels in both the east and west.
I also can cook a couple of mean vegetarian dishes, and enjoy baking in the kitchen too ;)

Of course when you are visiting me, my sharing becomes a bit more tangible in the form of recommendations of things to do/see, safety tips, invites to any events happening, and so on. Get in touch and let's figure something out!

When traveling: I am not looking for a free spot to sleep at only to move on the next day. With couchsurfing, in general I think I prefer to stay a couple of nights (not overstay!) to get to know each other well. I'd love to get to know you as a person and learn more about the life you lead.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mozambique, Namibia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Canada, Italy, South Africa, Viet Nam