CURRENT MISSION

Lose weight.

ABOUT ME

I live together with my cat Chawerá in Utrecht. Too bad she never ever makes me a cup of tea... Chawerá is Hebrew for friend (female) but I call her names like DDD (Drama Diva Dragon) or little monster more often.

I'm social, nerdy, quite good at languages and with words. Besides that I am helpful and caring. I'm somewhat arrogant at times yet compassionate, energetic, spontaneous, competitive and I like a scientific approach.

I like lots of different things oftenly changing with the seasons and/or my moods: reading, writing, gardening, baking, cooking, dancing, swimming, aikido, carving soapstone, knitting, drawing and so on.

I have a lot of knowledge and I am good at organizing and making people laugh.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME RANDOM INVITATIONS IF YOU DO NOT KNOW ME NOR SEND ME FRIENDSHIPREQUESTS OUT OF THE BLUE. IF I HAVE THE POSSIBILITY TO TRAVEL I WILL FIND A PLACE TO STAY MYSELF.

Of course you are welcome to send me a couchrequest.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Offering my couch, having tips for activities and places to go on my profile and contact people through couchsurfing when I am abroad.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I'm glad most of my experiences so far were good and I'm looking forward to meeting more people this way.

Interests

I like lots of different things oftenly changing with the seasons and/or my moods: reading, writing, gardening, baking, cooking, dancing, swimming, aikido, carving soapstone, knitting, drawing, shibari and so on.

Things I would like to learn, do or visit one day:
Learn to tango better
Learn to make clothes
Learn to scuba dive

Visit London and Rome
See aurora borealis and/or aurora australis
See another solar eclipse
Join Burning Man
Travel to Uruguay
Travel to New Zealand
Travel to Vietnam

• cats
• arts
• culture
• writing
• coloring
• concerts
• dancing
• tango
• cooking
• cheese
• baking
• clubbing
• pub crawls
• gardening
• boating
• clothing
• reading
• traveling
• knitting
• drawing
• cycling
• scuba diving
• swimming
• geography
• languages
• tourism
• tours

Music, Movies, and Books

BOOKS:
The curious incident of the dog in the night-time by Mark Haddon (2003)
Life of Pi by Yann Martel (2001)
Het lelietheater by Lulu Wang (1997)
De tweeling by Tessa de Loo (1993)
De ruimte van Sokolov by Leon de Winter (1992)
My name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok (1972)

MOVIES:
Simon by Eddy Terstall (2004)
Gamle mænd i nye biler (Old men in new cars) by Lasse Spang Olsen (2002)
The Green Mile by Frank Darabont (1999)
Patch Adams by Tom Shadyac (1998)
Pulp Fiction by Quentin Tarantino (1994)
The Bear by Jean-Jacques Annaud (1988)
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Milos Forman (1975)

MUSIC:
Funk, soul, old jazz, sixties, seventies and eighties music, RAP (Rythm And Poetry).

My favorite DUTCH MUSIC:
* Kyteman
Kyteman, artist name of Colin Benders, (born 5 December 1986 in Utrecht) is a Dutch artist, trumpetist, composer, conductor and vocalist.
kyteman.com, kyteman.com/about/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyteman

* Arnold Veeman
Arnold was adopted by a family in Groningen, in the north of The Netherlands and sings in gronings dialect.
arnoldveeman.com

* De Dijk
De Dijk (English: The Dike) is a Dutch rock band which formed in 1981. The band is named after Zeedijk, a street in their hometown Amsterdam. Their music can be described as a mixture of soul, blues and rock 'n roll, with lyrics sung only in Dutch, except for their 2010 album Hold on Tight and the song 'Enough is Enough', both of which are sung in English by Solomon Burke. They are considered as one of the most important Dutch acts of the past 25 years.
www.dedijk.nl

* Boudewijn de Groot (Dutch pronunciation: [?b?u?.d?.???i?n d? ??ro?t], born 20 May 1944) is a famous Dutch singer/songwriter.He is known for the songs "Welterusten Meneer de President" (1966), "Het Land van Maas en Waal (nl)" (1967), "Jimmy" (1973) and "Avond (nl)" (1996) among others. On 19 January 2007 he issued his latest album Lage Landen (nl) (Low Countries).
www.boudewijndegroot.nl

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

See two goatlambs being born.

Teach, Learn, Share

GENERAL TOURIST INFORMATION
http://www.holland.com/uk/tourism.htm
http://couchwiki.org/en/Netherlands

TRANSPORT

LUGGAGE
- No porters: There are no porters at the stations nor airports. There are elevators and escalators at airports and most stations.
- Safes: If you get to to a city by train earlier than you are going to meet your host, you might want to leave your luggage in a safe at the railwaystation so you can go into town without dragging it around.
- Busses: In most busses there is a space where you can put your luggage and stand next to it (or you can sit somewhere else).
- Trains: In most trains there is space to put your luggage near or under your seat. In 'sprinters' (short distance trains) there is less space.
International trains: This is a link with information about luggage on international trains (which differ per train): https://www.nsinternational.nl/en/before-you-go/luggage

PUBLIC TRANSPORT
This link will help you plan your public transport http://9292.nl/en.
More about PT in general: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_transport_in_the_Netherlands

NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen = Dutch Railways)
Journey Planner (in english) http://www.ns.nl/en/travellers/home

OV-CHIPCARD
http://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/?taal=en

What is the OV-chipkaart (PT-Chipcard)?
The OV-chipkaart is a new means of payment for the public transport system. The smart card is the size of a bank card and contains an invisible chip. The OV-chipkaart can be loaded with credit in euros with which you can travel anywhere within The Netherlands, or with a travel product such as a single or season ticket.

There are personal and anonymous cards.

More information
Download the information brochure 'Travelling with the OV-chipkaart' (pdf) http://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/afbeeldingen/5434/travellingwiththeovchipkaart

TAXI IN UTRECHT
Taxi in Utrecht and tariffs: http://www.utc.nl/ipad/english/prices.html (if the link doesn't work go to utc.nl and click on the enlish flag and after that tariffs).
A taxi would probably cost between €12,50 and may cost a maximum of €19,40 (maximum allowed tariffs). You can get a UTC Keycard for free on the website which means a ride within town if you are ready to leave on departure, costs a maximum of €12,50. You get a 10% discount.
Also if you are 65 or older you can get a 65+ UTC card for free which gives you a discount of 15%.

BICYCLING IN THE NETHERLANDS
Famous for its bicycle friendly geography and culture it should be of no surprise that the Netherlands has a huge network of well marked bicyle routes (fietspad), as well as plenty of parking. The system is very friendly towards bicycles but the rules are strict.
Bicycle theft is extremely common and if you want to keep your ride you must lock it up. The Netherlands has plenty of CouchSurfers within a very small area meaning travelers can easily travel by bicycle between hosts.
Source: http://couchwiki.org/en/Traveling_by_bicycle

Bike
THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.
A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in here and here.
Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in knooppuntenplanner, it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.
Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.
All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this map.
Source (with much more info): http://couchwiki.org/en/Utrech

Cycling in The Netherlands on Wikipedia: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycling_in_the_Netherlands

All about cycle tourism in The Netherlands: http://www.nederlandfietsland.nl/en

Plan your cyclingroutes (in english): http://en.routeplanner.fietsersbond.nl/

CS: Bicycle, bikers - https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=1675

CS, Bikers & Co: The Netherlands by bicycle - https://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=509&post=11662292

CS-member with a lot of bicycle-tour experience all over the world and in The Netherlands too. Maybe you can ask him for advise: https://www.couchsurfing.org/people/wim-vanderghote/

CS group search: https://www.couchsurfing.org/groups/search
use keyword 'cycling'

CS Dutch Cycling Discoveries: https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=18534

http://couchwiki.org/en/Utrecht

PLACES TO GO AND STUFF TO DO IN UTRECHT AND THE REST OF HOLLAND (just some things I think are nice.):

UTRECHT
Every Saturday there are free tours in Utrecht with a CS-guide starting at the Domplein at 12:00h. https://www.couchsurfing.org/n/events/utrecht-free-tours-utrecht--57

http://www.utrechtyourway.nl/en/vrijetijd.aspx

Rent a citybike at LaagCatharijne (about 7 euro's a day)
http://www.laagcatharijne.nl/welcome.html

PUBS
Goede Vrijdag (A former bridge keeper/tenders house, very small, where you can also sit downstairs at the water. can be reached by boat too. It's only opened during daytime.)
Oosterkade 1
3582 AS Utrecht
https://www.facebook.com/Goedevrijdaginutrecht

Café Flitz
Rozenstraat 15
3511BV Utrecht
030 231 74 28
http://www.cafeflitz.nl/#

Grand Café Maria (Café + Tapasrestaurant + Club)
Mariaplaats 50
3511 LM Utrecht
(T) 030 2300055
(F) 030 2300245
http://www.mariautrecht.nl/

Kafe België (small menu + lots of beer)
Oudegracht 196
3511 NR Utrecht
030 2312666

O'Leary's Irish Pub & Restaurant Utrecht
Adelaarstraat 23
3514 CA Utrecht
0031(0)30 2713680
http://www.olearys-utrecht.com/index.html

Cafe De Zaak
Korte Minrebroederstraat 9
3512 GG Utrecht
TEL: 030-2315310
http://www.dezaak-utrecht.nl/

Hofman (restaurant and club too)
Janskerkhof 17a
3512BM Utrecht
Telefoon: 030-2302470
http://www.hofman-cafe.nl/

Stairway to Heaven (Restaurant + RockCafé + Concerts)
Mariaplaats 11/12
3511 LJ Utrecht
Tel: 030 2322288
http://www.stairway.nl/home

RESTAURANTS
Restaurant Van Buuren
Drieharingstraat 16
3511 BJ Utrecht
030-2317503

http://www.lokaalnegen.nl/

Popocatepetl http://www.utrechtyourway.nl/en/detail.aspx?Id=B157

http://www.sushitoday.nl/

Le Clochard
Ridderhofstad 2
3512 KL Utrecht
0031 (0)30 231 02 73

CLUBS
http://www.tivoli.nl/
http://www.ekko.nl/
http://www.sjujazz.nl/

ACTIVITIES
http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/cz/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&b=english
http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht
http://www.utrechtyourway.nl/EN/detail.aspx?Id=B5823
http://www.kanoverhuurutrecht.nl/

ART & MUSEUMS
http://www.trajectumlumen.nl/?p=en
Central Museum, Dick Bruna House, Schröder House (* a ticket to the Rietveld-Schroderhouse will allow you to go to the Central Museum and the Dick Bruna House, unofficially called the Nijntje or Miffy museum for free on the same day. If you buy the ticket you can also borrow a bike from the Central Museum for the day.)
http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageid=48&mode=&version=
University Museum
http://www.utrechtyourway.nl/en/detail.aspx?Id=B90
Dutch Waterworks Museum
http://www.utrechtyourway.nl/en/detail.aspx?Id=B5641
Railway Museum
http://www.utrechtyourway.nl/en/detail.aspx?Id=B61

BUILDINGS & GARDENS
Rietveld-Schroderhuis (*the ticket will allow you to go to the Central Museum and the Dick Bruna House, unofficially called the Nijntje or Miffy museum for free on the same day. If you buy the ticket you can also borrow a bike from the Central Museum for the day.)
http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/rshEng.jsp?color=yellow
Botanic Gardens
http://www.uu.nl/EN/botanicgardens/Pages/default.aspx
Fort bij Vechten
http://www.utrechtyourway.nl/en/detail.aspx?Id=B4446
http://en.aorta.nu/
http://www.domkerk.nl/domchurch/index.html
http://www.utrechtyourway.nl/utrecht/en/detail.aspx?Id=B9477
http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/
http://www.slotzeist.com/index.php?katern=10&taalcode=EN

GOUDA
http://www.museumgouda.nl/nl/bezoekersinformatie/
Het Catharina Gasthuis & Nationaal Farmaceutisch Museum De Moriaan
and get stroopwafels, cheese and candles.
http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/?fx=event&event_id=20845
http://www.goudabijkunstlicht.nl/

ROTTERDAM
http://www.rotterdam.info/cms.php?langid=2&cmspageid=12/
http://www.industrieeltoerisme.com/index.php?language=20
Maritime Museum
http://www.maritiemmuseum.nl/website/index.cfm?itm_id=96
Tax and Customs Museum (unofficially called the Smugglersmuseum)
http://www.bdmuseum.nl/international/
Museum Boijmans van Beuningen
http://www.boijmans.nl/en/
World Museum Rotterdam
http://www.wereldmuseum.com/
Historical Museum 'De Dubbelde Palmboom' in het Schielandhuis
http://www.hmr.rotterdam.nl/museum/dubbeldepalmboom/index.php

THE HAGUE
http://www.paard.nl/
http://www.panorama-mesdag.com/#pagina=920
http://www.madurodam.nl/?lang=1
http://www.mauritshuis.nl/index.aspx?siteid=54
http://www.fotomuseumdenhaag.nl/index.cfm/site/Fotomuseum/pageid/27A399BA-C6AB-D32E-56027F338902F7A1/index.cfm?languagecode=en_US

OTHER STUFF
If you are here in spring you should visit 'De Keukenhof' http://www.keukenhof.nl/index/en/
Volendam
http://www.vvv-volendam.nl/nl/welcome/
Open Air Museum: Zuiderzee Museum Enkhuizen
http://www.zuiderzeemuseum.nl/nl/6/bezoek/openingstijden-en-prijzen/?language=en
Kinderdijk
http://www.kinderdijk.com/
Open Air Museum
http://www.openluchtmuseum.nl/en/
Hunebedden
http://www.hunebedcentrum.nl/

Bare Feet and Senses Park:
Limburg: http://www.blotevoetenpark.nl/
Bare Feet Paths:
Brabant: http://www.blotevoetenpad.info/
Groningen: http://www.blotevoetenpad.nl/

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can cook you a meal if you like, bake something and/or tell you about my country, couchsurfing, hosting and travelling experiences.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Austria, Belgium, Burundi, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, England, France, Gambia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Monaco, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Netherlands, United States

•