Ahoj!

My name is Matěj and I enjoy looking around and exploring the world. By profession, I am a student of ecology, most precisely I am interested in microbial ecology. And quite recently I've started PhD in this field.

I am eager to learn about the world in which we live. I think a good way to do it is to observe, listen and talk with other people. On the other hand, I also enjoy just watching the landscape and nature in different places. And I have to say that sometimes it can teach me much more. Anyway, people and landscapes are different around the world, thus I feel like travelling is the only way how to get a little bit more comprehensive picture of it (maybe in the future I will be able to find a different (better) way how to do it).

I love being outdoors end exploring nature by all possible means of human-powered transport. I made some cycling trips around the Balkans but the longest one was to Iran, which taught me a lot. When I am not cycling I also enjoy long-distance hiking (I spent one summer just walking through the Carpathians), climbing, rebuilding old bicycles and sewing machines, DIY projects (which I have to later test and thus be more outdoors) and also some gardening.

I would like to share with you stories, food and something from Czech culture. Don't hesitate to ask if you need help!

CURRENT MISSION
Have a delightful and meaningful life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

In my experience staying with locals is always an enriching experience and CS is a good way how to do it.

Interests

I enjoy being outdoors when indoors repairing stuff (mostly old bicycles) or just reading.

• walking
• reading
• traveling
• music
• trumpet
• drums
• cycling
• biology
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Change a lot, depending on the situation in which I am, though there are some stables.
books: The Hobbit, The Alchemist, The Dharma Bums
music: jazz (GogoPenquin, Zrní), psychedelic rock (Naxatras) and classic music (Rachmaninov)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I am quite proud of one of my longest cycling trip, which took me to Iran. Partly because it was physically challenging, but also because of the mental challenge. I had an opportunity to think only of basic things: eat, cycle, sleep and repeat every day. Sounds easy, but taught me a lot.

Teach, Learn, Share

Some Czech phrases, something about our history and culture. Or maybe a completely different thing, there is always something to learn from others.
Stories and pictures from my travelling.
Help with repairs (bicycles, I also have a sewing machine)

What I Can Share with Hosts

Some ideas, joyful moments and a few beers.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, England, Georgia, Hungary, Iran, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine

Countries I’ve Lived In

Austria, Czech Republic, Finland