My name is Leslie and I'm 23 years young :)

I have just graduated from University in Manchester and I have decided to spend my summer travelling before I start work in the crazy city that is London!

On my journey I'll be visiting the incredible countries of Denmark and Norway and in contrast to my other backpacking trips (through Europe, South America and Asia) - I wish to step off the ‘tourist trails’ and truly indulge in new cultures, meet new people and most importantly - give more than I take.

Originally a city boy, I grew up digitally native in Birmingham - UK. However I soon fell in love with the outdoors and have found I’m happiest when at one with the elements. I regularly dedicate a lot of my spare time to travel, nature and people: seeking mountains to climb, lakes to kayak in, seas to surf or even planes to jump out of.

Combining this love with my passion for technology, I love to create original content (photographs/videos/articles etc) for my website LeslieLatchman.com. This translates across to my studies where I now have a degree in Digital Marketing and Business.

A few other key interests I have are:
- Music (all genres and I regularly DJ at friends and family parties)
- Reading (I particularly love biographies, science and history books)
- Writing (About my passions, poetry and general life experiences)
- Watching films or documentaries (My guilty pleasure is Netflix!)
- Martial arts (practiced Karate for 13 years)
- Stargazing
- Playing games (both old and improvising new ones)
- Languages (currently learning Spanish)

I have been described as an optimistic person, I have a laid back can-do type of approach to life and I'm always smiling!

Les

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I wish to step off the typical tourist trail and delve deep into the heart of the local cultures I'll visit on my journey. What better way then making new friendships, sharing great conversation and experiences with locals? This of course isn't a one way street either, I love to share my culture, knowledge and learn from others.

Interests

• culture
• writing
• photography
• fitness
• running
• meditation
• politics
• movies
• video games
• reading
• traveling
• music
• martial arts
• business
• entrepreneurship
• history
• languages
• science
• solo travel
• group travel
• adventure travel
• football
• film photography
• stargazing
• learning new things
• marketing
• street food
• outdoors
• local history
• adventure sports
• adrenaline junkie
• national geographic
• street photography

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Growing up with my dad being a DJ I have a very broad taste in music! From Hip hop, Film scores, Rock, Dance, Indie, House, Classical, Reggae, DUB, Grime, R&B, Neo-soul, Jazz, D&B, Trance, Alternative, Ragga, Pop - the list truly goes on!

Movies: I love dramas, real life stories, action and adventure, thrillers, guilty pleasure if Rom Coms haha. Favourite directors are Tarantino, Kubrick, W. Anderson, Linklater,

Books: I'm a huge fan of non-fictional books, such as Autobiographies (Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Richard Winters, Bear Grylls etc) I also love science, I am subscriber of National Geographic.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The most amazing thing I've done is become a triple World Karate Champion. The proudest achievement of my life to date, achieved through hard work, dedication, sacrifice and bit of talent and luck.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Photography tips - one of my biggest passions I love to share my knowledge and learn new things myself!

Digital knowledge - Wordpress, Building social media accounts, Blogging, Digital marketing, Campaigns etc

Recipes! Jamaican, Thai, Italian, Indian and Mexican food!

Sharing of cultural knowledge and anecdotes from my Jamaican, Indian British heritage!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Bolivia, Cuba, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Jamaica