I've been on this website since 2012, and I'm really grateful it's part of my life. This profile is a bit of a mix of those 6 years - head over to the photos to see the tail-end of my awkward teenage phase!

My interests change frequently, and whatever I end up doing, I try to do it wholeheartedly. Right now, I'm geeking out about kendo!

Currently I'm finishing my masters degree (writing this is actually procrastination from writing my thesis), and after that, who knows! I'll try and travel for a bit, and then maybe even find a real job... My favourite style of traveling isn't really traveling; I like to head to a new place and feeling at home before I even arrive through the people I meet.

I'm easy going, and I will always have a plan - I will very rarely stick to it, however. I love visiting friends and making new ones along the way. I like spontaneous meetings and trips. For example, the last time I had a layover at LAX, I went to Manhattan Beach for pancakes instead, talked to everyone, and then ended up eating fried pickles with Maya, the lady standing in the security line in front of me.

My philosophy is to 'Live in your reality'. Everyone sees the world differently and it's fascinating to learn about what everyone's reality is, without sacrificing your own.
My secondary motto would have to be: "If you're the smartest person in the room, leave the room." This doesn't necessarily mean that I will be walking out on parties, but I try to find people who I can learn with and from, so I will always search for what makes you unique - teach me new things!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I don't participate in couch surfing as much as I'd like at the moment since I don't have space at my new place. I definitely like to check out who's in the area when I travel though - even if I don't end up staying with someone, it's always so much better to have a local show me around or meet up with a fellow traveler.

I surfed a few couches so far around Germany, USA, & Canada and have always had an amazing time. The most fun was however meeting new people to just see the cities they live in and hang out for a night.

Interests

I'm a nerd at heart. I have a bachelors in Mathematics, a second bachelors in Biochemistry, an honours bachelors in Health Science, and am finishing a masters in Neuroscience. I'll happily chat science with you, but I'll also equally likely debate you in DC vs Marvel.
I used to be really into martial arts, but I've since calmed down a bit. I'm always happy to regale you with stories about my time in a chinese shaolin kung fu school though. Currently I'm training in Kendo, which is quite different to my regular MAs, but I'm enjoying it loads.
There are only very few things which I'm not interested about, and even less things that I would openly dislike to talk about. In fact, I can't think of any right now.

• books
• movies
• team sports
• traveling
• music
• sports

Music, Movies, and Books

Umm, everything really? I can't say I'm a great fan of soppy emotional romantic chick flick which are predictable after the first 5 minutes, but otherwise I'm open-minded about everything.

One of my low-key dreams is to get a good job, so I can get a good apartment, so I can have a nice bookshelf to keep all my books (instead of carting my haul back to my parent's house every once in a while and missing the company of all my books). I am told I need a job for other things, but this is currently a priority.

I love immersive theatre - I like my art to interact with me if at all possible, and love having those experiences. Last time I was in New York, I got to see a show called 'Then She Fell' which took place across an entire building and had only 12 audience members. It ended around midnight, and it made such an impression on me that instead of going back to my hostel, I caught a ferry to Staten Island and then walked up the entirety of Manhattan (all of which took me about 5 hrs) so I would have time to process the show. It was amazing! (Side note: you really can get a pizza at 3am in a random alley in Manhattan. Good times).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've done more than one amazing thing. Generally most of my life has been utterly brilliant.

I've lived and studied in 6 different countries, and have really enjoyed all of it. They were Czech, US, Scotland, England, Australia, and ... China!
I've spent 8 months altogether studying Kung fu in China, so I kinda count that too. I've been back 3 times now. One of the best times of my life. :)

I've convinced the Vatican to allow me entry to the ongoing excavations under the St. Peter's basilica, where St. Peter's bones are buried. Twice.

I've backpacked across New Zealand.

I rode across the Mongolian plains on horseback for weeks on end, and stayed with the reindeer herders in the mountains.

I learned the basics of stencil graffiti art in Berlin.

I worked for a koala sanctuary in Australia. I mostly looked after their goats and guineapigs and dingoes.

I once won a staring contest against a meerkat at the wildlife preserve I worked for in the UK. The key is to fall into one of their tunnels in an awkward way, which terrifies the lemurs next door. It's a solid strategy.

I spent 6 years volunteering for St. John Ambulance and will do my best to save your life if you hurt yourself. Right after I finish laughing at your misfortune.

I've really just had a lot of fun.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you Czech, and should be able to condense and explain pretty much any biological concept.

I'd like to learn more about cultures, and what ever quirky thing makes you, you.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am of the opinion that couchsurfing is a cultural exchange. I will bring you whatever you request from the country I'm coming from (I'm based in Scotland right now, so as a default you'd get whisky and fudge), and teach you about that thing.
I will share with you my stories, and observations, and will endeavour to teach you whatever you'd like. I'm always up for lending a pair of hands as well.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Scotland, United Kingdom, United States

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