My name is Mahmoud. I was born in Saudi Arabia but I am 100% Egyptian as many of the 90's Egyptian generation. I work as Transport Engineer. Working in such a profession here in Greater Cairo seems hilarious but it would be reasonable when you know that most of the projects which I work on are abroad in Middle East and Africa.

I have lived in Malaga, Spain for nine months doing European Voluntary Service EVS. I could discover there the city through the locals' eyes I realized that it is the best way to taste a city and its culture.

GEMY is my camel and travel mate, as you know that all Egyptians have private camels as transport mode! I had to minimize him using African magic to put him in my luggage but till now I cannot get rid of that magic and it remains a doll as you can see in VAMOS GEMYYY! album on my facebook profile :D

Currently I live in Brussels doing master's degree in Transportation Sciences and working for an EU institution.

My facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/mahmoud.tharwat.79

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I like exploring others' cultures and realizing the diversity which we have on this planet and Couchsurfing provide me great opportunity to achieve so. Couchsurfing is not only about travelling for me as it is also nice to see my city "Greater Cairo" through the eyes of expats or visitors. There are several places which I haven't known about before meeting some Couchsurfers or foreign friends here. Living with locals also immerses me in the host culture. They tell the traveler tips for food or sightseeing and even legends about some monuments.

In summary, loving Couchsurfing is the meter that can tell you if you are really traveler or you are just a tourist who is interested in taking selfies and finishing the must-see list ;)

Interests

• performing arts
• festivals
• traveling
• origami
• jazz
• opera
• mountains
• urban planning
• intercultural learning
• stereotypes

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Jazz, Calle 13, Rai, Swing, Salsa, Flamenco, Egyptian Project, .....

Movies : Leon the professional, Cairo Time, Ocho Apellidos Vascos, L'auberge espagnole, Rabat, .....

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

* Teleferique between the mountains of Saudi Arabia
* Aida Opera Live Performance in Giza Pyramids
* Ballet performance called "Spartacus" for Russian band
* Sound and Light show in Luxor
* Euro Trip for 11 days travelling around 5 countries/ 6 cities using blablacar-couchsurfing
* Roadtrip through Portugal for 9 days with camping in cities along Ocean shore.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: some basics of Arabic and Spanish, and how to cook eggs with dates :D

Learn: Salsa, lindy hop, waltz, .... whatever kind of dance :D

Share: many interesting things about Egyptian and Arabic cultures.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Spain