Hi there, the name's Mark

I've moved to Kobe, Japan to start teaching English, and also to explore more of Japan. I graduated with a degree in International Relations and now the plan is to travel as much as possible and see the world. I'm an open minded, adventurous person who enjoys seeing the amazing world we live in.

I enjoy travelling alone. I find it's not only a way to do what your heart desires and to really get to know other people, but also oneself. I firmly believe everyone should do it at least once in their lifetime.

I'm keen to meet new people and explore the world through the eyes of locals.

*Unfortunately,m I'm unable to accept guests at the moment, but I am more than willing to hang out if you'd like.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To make new friends, and not just the entire population of Australia that you see at hostels.

Interests

TRAVELLING (obviously)

FOREIGN LANGUAGES - I've developed a keen interest in learning other languages from my travels. I currently speak 7 at varying levels and I want to learn more. I'm keen to practice my skills at any opportunity with locals or at language meet-ups. I hope to become a professional translator one day.

PHOTOGRAPHY - I've only use gotten into it as a hobby (I'm no National Geographic level), but during my travels I've come to really enjoy it and I continue to capture the world around me.

HISTORY & POLITICS - I did my degree in International Relations, thus I have a particular interest in these two things. I did a focus on Asian Politics during my degree but the foreign affairs of the rest of the world interest me greatly. I would also consider myself a bit of an Ancient History nerd, I love that sort of stuff.

• photography
• environment
• beer
• coffee
• vegan
• partying
• politics
• traveling
• scuba diving
• history
• international relations
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Anything I can dance like an idiot to (but particularly fond of TropPop and Spanish Reggeton)

Movies: Anything that makes me laugh

Books: Travel stories, Hunger Games, Harry Potter. I've also started reading novels in other languages.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've moved overseas to Japan to teach English, studied abroad in Spain and became fluent in Spanish, Camped out in the Sahara desert in Morocco, Gazed at the Aurora Borealis in Iceland, Hiked the Great Wall of China, Trekked up to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal, Volunteered with elephants in Thailand, Danced with Gypsies in Bulgaria, Explored remote villages in rural Myanmar, Bungy-jumped in New Zealand, Felt the spiritual aura of Varanasi in India, Hung out with local Hmong villages in Vietnam, Sailed the South of Turkey, Scuba-dived the reefs of Southeast Asia...

... oh wait that's more than one.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'd be more than happy to test out my language skills (both practicing my own and teaching English) and learn more about different cultures and ways of life. I also make some pretty good vegan meals which have (and hopefully continue) to convince even the most holistic of meat eaters.

I'd love to share travel stories, life ambitions and the odd banter. I'm the type of person who would enjoy a good sit down and chat over a couple of drinks, whether it be beer or a coffee.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share with you my hospitality, generosity and a good laugh.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Monaco, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Japan, Spain, United Kingdom