I am originally from The Netherlands. I currently live in Vahto (~25 km north from Turku) with my son and two cats in a century old red log house next to a potato field.

In my younger years I used to travel a lot but currently I have less time to do so. Instead I like to meet up and if possible host Couchsurfers to hear their travel stories.

After a few years away from CS I reactivated my account in summer 2022.

If you decide to send me a request to host you, I'd like you to include the text "red log house in a village" in your message. If you don't, I'll likely decline. Just to be clear, I do not live in Turku. If I happen to be in Turku and you ask nicely I could pick you up by car. I work mostly from home and occasionally from the office which is an hour's drive. Unfortunately due to my busy schedule I cannot take last minute requests.

It will take you about a day walking from the bus station or an hour by bus if you find the correct bus stop, so you should mention "bus 302" or " bus 303” in your request too. Please check bus timetables from Turku centre to Vahdon kirkko with https://reittiopas.foli.fi/?locale=en

Disclaimers: (1) Couchsurfing is not a dating site. (2a) I will not invest in your company or (2b) transfer money. (3a) I cannot give you a visa and (3b) I do not have work for you. If you decide to cross these hard boundaries I will report your account and block your profile immediately.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I would like to meet people and hear their stories about their travels. I joined when I was working full-time, my children were still young and I had little to no time to travel. This was all pre-COVID19 so everybody thought a 9 to 17 office job was promoting productivity and nobody thought that remote or hybrid work was a good idea.

Interests

I like travelling, meeting people, eating real food such as a home cooked meal from scratch, enjoying craft beer from micro-breweries.

Currently, I try to taste as many different beers as possible while matching or pairing them with food.

Furthermore I'm interested in good coffee, tea, long walks in nature, sauna and swimming.

If you can hold a conversation in English or Dutch I'd be happy to discuss current topics. If you'd like to and are able to do so, you could help me improve my conversation skills in Finnish, French or German.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The most amazing thing I did was going back to school at age 38. I was 42 years old when I received my Bachelor's degree in IT.

Teach, Learn, Share

I could teach you to juggle with 3 balls or we could cook an Indonesian meal together. I'm always up for a challenge so gluten-free, lactose free, dairy free, vegetarian or vegan are no issue.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can offer a meal, a bed, company and a conversation. If you ask nicely I might pick you up from the harbour, airport, railway station or bus station in Turku.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, United States, Vatican City State, Åland Islands

Countries I’ve Lived In

Finland, Netherlands, Scotland