CURRENT MISSION

To explore South America!

ABOUT ME

I have explored some of Western Europe, but was more intrigued by South East Europe. Decided to venture alone to remote territories (from Singapore atleast) tsuch as Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo... savoured every single moment spent getting lost in the wilderness.

Loves the exciting and thrilling, challenging societal conventions, trying new experiences, meeting people from far-flung lands, going on adventures spontaneously without a plan. Often labelled as reckless and crazy and rightfully so - Drove a motorbike once in Vietnam despite barely being able to balance on a bicycle. Said motorbike fell over on its side down a slope, but thankfully there were no casualties. Delights at the unpredictable. Finds tourist attractions (especially major cities) tiresome and constantly seeks places unheard of to visit.

Enjoys concocting horrendous (and yet extremely clever) puns. Incessantly seeking battles of wit. Unafraid to self-deprecate, and loves sarcastic and dry humour. Always waiting to pounce a self-made pun on anyone within earshot.

Born and raised in Singapore, constantly surrounded by modernity. Appreciative of the comfort and security provided in Singapore, having lived in relative luxury as compared to most of the world's population. Holds an incomprehensible yearning to return to the Balkans. Believes that the region is the answer to an escape from a mundane and increasingly stifling city life.

Currently backpacking in Brazil for six weeks :)

PHILOSOPHY

Ask earnestly if you would like to know, go forth boldly if you would like to explore, and try everything unless you can think of a compelling reason not to. As this has been uttered often enough in the Balkans - 'Why not?'.

Everyone values the safe and familiar, but those who are willing to venture out of their comfort zones understand what life is truly about beyond simplistic conformity.

The things worthy of knowing are often not found in guidebooks but through conversations born out of personal experiences.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Unfortunately unable to host now, but still available to hang out. Knowledgeable about local cuisines and the best places for Singaporean food. Always willing to share - just drop a message :)

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Couchsurfed in Belgium, Luxembourg and Ireland, and have encountered brilliant hosts. Yet to host in Singapore, but would love to do so in the future.

Interests

(Don't Balk at) The Balkans:
Stumbled across Macedonia by accident during Easter - sought for cheap destinations from Paris, and searched for flights to 'Everywhere'. Picked the first and cheapest option that appeared despite knowing absolutely nothing about the country - 'Macedonia'. Went with no plan and no expectations, and left full of wonder and burning curiosity.

Revisited Macedonia in May and explored more of the Balkans - Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Bulgaria. Raw and untainted wilderness coexists with gradual development in these countries, promising adventures that will last a lifetime.

South America is a whole new continent to me, and I cannot wait to experience it.

Theatrical productions:
Especially dark and depressing plays.

Drinking:
Loves nights out and the consumption of wine and beer (at times moderate, at times excessive). Caipirinhas are a new favourite.

Food-ing:
Loves discovering the best (hidden) food places in Singapore and making travellers try Singapore's most toxic fruit. The authentic experience does not necessarily have to come with a hefty price tag - a sham(e) that most travellers don't realize this.

• writing
• dining
• wine
• beer
• walking
• drinking
• traveling
• socializing
• backpacking
• hitchhiking

Music, Movies, and Books

Tickler of the ivories, the owner of a tenor saxophone... i.e. relatively unskilled in the latter. Loves jazz in all its variations, especially bossa nova. Appreciates live music of all genres... except heavy metal.

Loves films that provide surprising twists (not the stereotypical type that fall under a pre-defined 'twist-to-the-plot' category) such as Psycho, Cabin in the Woods, and even Daybreakers. Also loves historical and adventure films. Apparently a lover of horror and the bizarre, though this is only recently discovered (derived from re-reading the previous lines written).

Reads literally anything and everything (Get this joke and the other well-placed puns?). Not averse to random facts, with an insatiable curiosity and thirst for all forms of knowledge. Currently reading travelogues in the hopes of writing one.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Border-crossing from Albania into Macedonia. There is no direct way of getting into neighbouring countries. It took hours of hitchhiking, bus and taxi rides and walking before arriving to Macedonia, and the drive through the mountainous Albanian landscape was unforgettable.

The best moment occurred at the last leg of the trip. Was dropped off at a random stop by a bus driver in a border town, and was told to 'Just wait here, someone will come and get you'. A paradoxical sense of desperation and great amusement set in in tandem with the sun. Had to stand at the side of the road being a centrepiece of attraction (not many Asians travel to the Balkans, much less alone) until finally, a car with only one seat left empty pulled over...

This is only one minor segment of a pretty long and hilarious story, but this will have to do for now.

Update: I've finally gotten down to writing about my trip in the Balkans last summer, and it was published online. I'm pretty psyched about it, it's my first attempt at travel writing but certainly not my last. Enjoy! http://queenmobs.com/2015/04/jeremy-fernando-presents-catching-the-furgon-by-mabel-loh/

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Kosovo, Laos, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Montenegro, Myanmar, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Singapore, United Kingdom