Welcome! I am Loai Mesmeh, a Palestinian from Gaza.
I am the director of a center and I have a passion for adventure, travel, and visiting the countryside, and I am thirsty for learning about cultures and languages. I am an enthusiastic person, quick to learn, active and always ready for activities that I enjoy. As a guest, I do whatever the host wants without feeling obligated to do it. If you're looking for someone who has positive qualities and is as open-minded as you are, let's connect! I can't wait to hear from you, share and learn.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I crave genuine connections beyond tourist traps. Couchsurfing lets me ditch the hotels and dive into local life, sharing stories, building friendships, and discovering hidden gems through the eyes of the locals. It's a human adventure, expanding my world and myself, one couch at a time.

Interests

• cultural exchange
• personal growth
• authentic travel
• openness and reciprocity
• connection and community

Music, Movies, and Books

I like calm and relaxing music, adventure and action movies, and a little romance and fantasy. The books I love are those that deal with self-development and personal development.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

It was a very amazing thing when I left Gaza for the first time in my life in 2021, heading to the United Arab Emirates, on a trip that was tiring and at the same time beautiful and interesting. I passed through a country in the Republic of Egypt, visited the pyramids and the Citadel of Muhammad Ali, climbed to the top of the Cairo Tower, and toured Cairo, the city of Giza, and Ismailia, and then to the airport. Cairo heading to the UAE and landing at Dubai International Airport to attend an exhibition in the United Arab Emirates, the Emirate of Sharjah. It was a pleasure for me to attend this exhibition.

Teach, Learn, Share

Cultural Insights: I will share my knowledge of my local culture, traditions, history or language.

Skills and hobbies: I am not skilled, but I have beginning experience in photography, dancing, and DIY projects.

Life Skills: I will share practical knowledge such as DIYing on a limited budget, navigating public transportation, or learning basic repairs.

to learn:

New Languages: I will connect with native speakers for language exchange.

Local Skills: Learn traditional crafts, cooking techniques, or artistic practices from my hosts or other community members.

Career Skills: Follow someone in the field you're interested in or seek career advice from experienced professionals.

Cultural Understanding: Immerse yourself in different cultures through conversations, shared meals, and local activities. Learn about new perspectives and ways of life.

sharing:

Host Events: Participate in meetups, movie nights, game nights, or cultural exchange events to connect with other travelers and locals.

Share Resources: Offer my couch, spare room, or local knowledge to travelers passing through your area.

Travel Tips and Recommendations: I will share my travel experiences, hidden gems and favorite places in my city or region on the platform forums or blogs.

Personal Stories and Experiences: Write blog posts, articles, or create videos about Couchsurfing adventures and cultural encounters.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Tangible contributions:

Food: I will offer to cook a meal from my country, bring local desserts, or contribute ingredients for a shared dinner.

Gifts: Consider giving small, thoughtful gifts like souvenirs from my travels, handmade items, or locally made products.

Help with housework: Take the initiative to wash dishes, help with housekeeping, or offer to run errands.

Entertainment: Entertain my hosts for a movie night, board game night, or invite them to join me at a local event or activity.

Intangible contributions:

Good Company and Conversation: I will be a friendly, outgoing guest who enjoys sharing stories and learning about my hosts' lives and experiences.

Cultural exchange: I share my knowledge of a national culture, traditions and customs. Be open to learning about my hosts' culture as well.

Help with Projects: If my host has any ongoing projects, offer my skills and time to help.

Gratitude and Appreciation: I express my sincere thanks for their hospitality and generosity. Leave a handwritten note, write a positive comment on their profile, and send a postcard from my next destination.

in addition to:

Check in with my hosts in advance: Ask them if they have any specific needs or preferences regarding shared meals, activities, or contributions.

Respect their space and privacy: Pay attention to noise levels, cleanliness and general house manners.

Offer to help without being intrusive: Don't feel obligated to constantly be "there" and help, but be available and willing to help when needed.

Remember, the most valuable thing I can share with my hosts is my genuinely positive attitude, open mind, and appreciation for their hospitality. By being a considerate and thoughtful guest, I will create a memorable and mutually beneficial experience for all participants.

Countries I’ve Visited

United Arab Emirates

Countries I’ve Lived In

Egypt, Palestine, United Arab Emirates