***Studying abroad - hosting paused for a while*** (Is now reachable again!) Feel write to write me!
“How can you change the world if you haven’t seen it?”
My name is Manuel, nicknamed “Meister” (German for Master) by a couple of people, so I also go by that name. I grew up in Vienna and since young age, I’ve traveled quite a lot and visited about one country per year so far!
I studied geography (in Vienna), because I think you need some factual knowledge before working on concepts that make the world a better place to live in. My focus now is set on City Planning, as I like solving problems that constantly change, in that way I'll never be bored!
As I’ve been to Cuba and read the Motorcycle Diaries by Che later on I found that quote quite inspiring:
“Hasta la victoria siempre!” (Meaning always until victory)
I think that I kinda apply that to my own life as if I set myself a goal I’ll try everything in my power in achieving it.
I went to Denmark to pursue a Master's degree and lived in a big student dorm with 13 other people, which turned out to be the most amazing people I've ever encountered. Nevertheless the study program, was not my thing, which is why I switched to another one in Sweden.

For the near future, I plan on buying a electric car and doing a Europe road trip, as I still have a lot to see there!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I was planning a trip with a friend and and our host told me about CS and its idea so I decided to check out the site and signed up. For some time being inactive I was kinda reintroduced due to a friend and then I became an active user.
As of now I've lived in several countries and met so many people with different nationalities I am fond of meeting people different than my home country as they can contribute ideas and share stories that are mostly unheard compared to regular locals that tend to reside in their home country. Living with internationals for a long time made me realize that I am seeking this kind connection! Giving my planning background it is always important to be able to draw a holistic picture (of society), which can not be seen and experienced without traveling!

Interests

There are various! As stated above everything that deals with cities like urbanity

• photography
• fitness
• electronics
• technology
• traveling
• history
• science
• food
• sustainability
• roadtrips

Music, Movies, and Books

The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto Che Guevara and Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance
Apocolypse Now (Redux), Die Weiße Rose, Once Upon a Time in America, Schindler's List, Planet of the Apes (1968 -1973), The Wolf of Wall Street

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

When I was a child I went snorkeling in Thailand in one nature reserve with so many colorful fish around that I still remember to this day!
Studied abroad with Erasmus in Oslo, Norway for a quarter year!
In summer 2018 I drove almost 4.000 km across Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, France and Germany!
In 2019 I've worked abroad for 3 months in Berlin as part of the Erasmus+ program for the first time! Afterwards I wanted to go there again but then Covid hit and it was changed into Home-Office.
In summer 2020 I went to Denmark to do my Master's and lived in a big student dorm for a year, where I encountered the most amazing and kindest people I have ever met!
In winter 2021 I flew up to Tromso, to visit a friend and just as we walk out of a museum about the Nothern Lights we could see them directly above our heads! Truly amazing!

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm an open minded person and always up into learning new interesting things. In general I'm a curious person so I guess I know a little bit of everything and I'm also eager in expanding my knowledge. If a topic comes up I'll gladly share some ideas!
As I have lived abroad for a while and met people from countless nationalities and backgrounds I can truly say that this interests me the most as they are able to naturally bring in ideas that reach far beyond geographical boundaries!

What I Can Share with Hosts

My kindness, hospitality, stories, food, good cooking skills and a mattress.
As I am back home in Vienna now I'll gladly provide a nice quiet place for you to stay!

Old text:
Here are some Videos I've recorded during my vacations around the world:
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheMeisterManuel/playlists
I have lots of pictures from places where I've been on my phone, so in case you meet me in person and you want to go a place where I've been I'll gladly give you tips and advice!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Austria, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden