I DON'T LIVE IN AMSTERDAM. IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A COUCH IN AMSTERDAM, DON'T SENT ME A REQUEST.

By getting out of your comfort zone to see what the world has to offer you, you get to know yourself and you learn what you can offer in return.

ABOUT ME

Hi there, my name is Lyenne van der Steen. I’m 23 years old and I live in Utrecht, Netherlands. I study Cultural and Societal Development in Amsterdam, where I’ve also lived for two years.

Different cultures have always fascinated me. I also try to pursue that interest throughout my education, though traveling is even more effective in that case.
About three years ago I have been to Thailand for a short while, last year I've finaly added the United States to my list of places I've visited and recently I spent a month in Peru, South America to do voluntary work.

I’m a sociable, curious and open person who loves to meet new people. Besides that I’m also the lead vocalist of a band. So who knows, perhaps my future travels will consist of a world tour (okay.. maybe I’m also a bit of a dreamer).

Being a musician myself, seeing and hearing live music is one of my favorite going out destinations. In Utrecht, for example, I often go to ‘t Oude Pothuys, which is local pub with live music each night of the week. Night's like these are even more perfect combined with a cozy pub with special beers.

However I love to get to know new things, so can you help me there?

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I live in a student apartment with a few others. Right now I’m trying really hard to persuade my roommates to become a host, but until they fully consent I’m not sure yet if I could. I might however know other people who would, and I would love to show you around and show you all the great things Utrecht has to offer in case you would come visit.

Furthermore I truely believe that you cannot get to know a place without knowing it's people. I don't see couchsurfing as a cheap way of traveling, but as a big adventure that helps to broadening your world.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Last year in New York I had my first couch surfing experience where I stayed at a few different places. It has been an amazing experíence where I've gotten to know loads of new people!

Interests

I'm in a band. I’m a total stage addict, so one of the things I love most is performing with my band. The bigger the crowd, the better!

Besides that, different cultures ready fascinate me. I’m pursuing that interest through my studies but I also really want to see more of the world. Unfortunately my wallet isn’t always helping me there.

Also I love to be a bit lazy from time to time. Sometimes when I have a day off I can be stuck to my couch the entire day watching movies and series.

My guilty pleasure: puzzles, the bigger the better!

• dancing
• education
• cooking
• beer
• pub crawls
• movies
• traveling
• puzzles
• music
• live music
• surfing
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

I love live music, especially when it’s blues or funk or anything else that’s really groovy. With my own band I make soulful bluesrock, which I enjoy enormously. Though I can also appreciate lots of other things.

Books and movies, well, besides being a quite normal person I can also be a bit of a nerd now and then. When it comes to movies and books I love fantasy, among other things. I’m one of those types who’s read Harry Potter and Lord Of The Rings books six times and seen the movies 10 times.
However I can also very much enjoy a breezy romantic comedy, a completely complicated thriller, or a no-need-to-think action movie.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

November '15 I spent a month doing voluntary work with Voices4Peru in Ventanilla, Lima, Peru. This month has probably been the most intense but beautiful one in my life.
I taught English to 5 year olds on the V4P private school and spent a lot of time working with teenagers there.
Located in one of the poorest places in South America, it's a true smack in the face of what real life also can look like, though so much love you get in return.

Teach, Learn, Share

Perhaps I can teach you a dutch recipe or two, however I'm not the best cook in the world.

I'm a singer and dancer, so perhaps you could join my danceclass, or I could write you a song:)

I could show you around in Utrecht or even Amsterdam if you'd want.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Peru, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Netherlands