CURRENT MISSION

Learn things

ABOUT ME

I'm a South African, with Scottish parents, studying in the Netherlands, and currently doing an internship (part of the Dutch studies) in Sweden. I have a mixed up accent from SA and Scotland that comes out sounding more English.

I live for my interests. The pursuit thereof is what makes me feel alive and brings me joy.

I study neuroscience because I'm interested in how our minds work, how the brain works, and finding out how what happens in the brain corresponds to, or modifies, how we feel. Brains are the best. Quite simply put.

I love music. I spend a lot of my life reading about, and discovering new music. I also play music (flute, piano and synth), but this has taken a bit of a back seat with my studies. I was lucky enough to be able to merge my interests in 2009 during which I studied how music works in the brain. Better not get me started about music unless you're prepared for me to go on and on... ;)

I love cinema, particularly the kinds of movies that you have to dig a little bit to find. I love art, particularly contemporary art, though I'm a bit of a layperson when it comes to details. I love good literature (as opposed to bad literature), though I don't consider myself to be well-enough-read... yet.

I like the finer things in life. I smoke a pipe or a cigar on occasion. I like to cook/eat good/interesting food (and I love to learn new recipes). I also love a good dram of Scotch: must live up to the legacy :P.

I like my discussions heated. I think that people ought to be opinionated, but humble enough not to be stubborn about their opinions. Without opinions, one cannot help but to learn little and contribute even less. If people occasionally disagree, and are not afraid to disagree, then they both learn, and both see the world through different eyes to their own.

Basically, I maintain a lifestyle of strict eccentricity. I'm a tad ridiculous, a wee bit over-the-top, and get a little bit too excited about a few too many things. I like the finer things in life, and I like to pursue new delights wherever they may lie.

PHILOSOPHY

To enjoy oneself is an active, creative experience. One has to work on having fun, and actively seek out experiences. Passivity is a scourge of the uncreative.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've hosted a couple of times, but I'm yet to surf. I occasionally head to the Utrecht CS meetings - when I remember that is.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Only hosted a couple of times, but yet to surf.

Interests

Neuroscience, psychology, general science, music, films, art, literature, cuisine, nerdy things.

• arts
• literature
• contemporary art
• dining
• cooking
• recipes
• indian food
• movies
• reading
• music
• piano
• neuroscience
• psychology
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

Well, I did say I could go on all day, but I'll try to keep it brief.

Movies:
Feels terrible to say favourite directors, because my favourites can change from day to day, but I'll list the first few that come to mind: Herzog, Bergman, Gondry, Anderson (both PT and Wes), Kieslowski, Jonze, Coen Brothers, Jason Reitman. If I've left anyone out, then I'm apologising both to them and to me.

Music:
http://www.last.fm/user/mathesong

Books:
I don't read enough and it pains me. But John Fowles has been making my life excellent recently. I like books which embrace their stylistic quirks.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

At a private game reserve called Lapalala, the game ranger had a tame rhinoceros which lay on the steps of his house and a tamed hippopotamus which visited from time to time. Both are too large to really play with safely, and the hippo came bounding after us playfully at the ranger's house, so we all jumped over the wall. The hippo strolled up to the car in the driveway and stroked its chin against the bonnet, and, because its chin was sandy, left huge scrapes in the paintwork.

The insurance company demanded a photo, which we had, before they would believe us.

Teach, Learn, Share

Well, I'm learning to cook Thai and South Indian food. I suppose I can share that.

I also know about the brain so I can talk about that. And I can tell you about music and music theory.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Cambodia, China, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Lesotho, Namibia, Netherlands, South Africa, Swaziland, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

Netherlands, South Africa, Sweden

•