I've been a performing artist (acting and dance) for the last seven years, previous to that a personal trainer. As a career I seek to follow what ever path can best empower, enable and help me to grow as a person, in whatever capacity that means at the time.
My career has allowed me to travel and meet really amazing and beautiful people, and given me such a zest for life. You could say I'm a people junkie.
Usually when I am unsure what to do, I ask myself "which of these choices will give me the best story to tell in five years time?"
So far that's worked out pretty well for me...

http://mattshilcock.com

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As a performing artist I often find myself traveling to where the work is, for short periods of time.
I also find that my industry expects me to do a lot on a shoe string budget. I would prefer to stay and connect with other people while I'm travelling, because living alone in a cheap hotel room in a foreign place is really depressing. I would also prefer to contribute what I can to real people directly.

Interests

Outdoors, exercise, cafés, art, theatre, film, dancing, dining, wine appreciation, food and esoteric practices.

• arts
• acting
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• cheese
• coffee
• exercise
• yoga
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• martial arts
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

I've yet to really come across something that I don't enjoy.... maybe that's a challenge to you...?

Some of my favourites Movies include:
Spirited Away
Oldboy
The Secret Adventures of Tom Thumb
Eraser head
The Room (2003)
Limitless
Journey to the West (Steven Chow)
A Clock Work Orange
American Beauty
Game of Thrones (series)
The Walking Dead (series)

Some of my Favourite books:
The Book of Five Rings
The Art of War
The Alchemist
A View From the Glass
The Well of Echoes
Catch 22
The Lord of the Rings
The Narnia Series
Shantaram

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was having a cup of coffee in a small cafe somewhere in Xiamen, China.
Suddenly this little guys comes up to me and begin telling me in broken english "You! Come with me. We work together. Now. Come." and takes me by the hand down the little alley.
He leads me to what is, I swear, the biggest BMW I have ever seen. It's like station wagon long, but only has two doors.
He says "get in my car!"
I feel a twinge in my kidneys as I image myself waking up in a bathtub full of ice twelve hours later with fresh cuts in my back, but I think to myself 'this could make a great story when I get back home, so I might swell see where it takes me...'
I get in his car.
We drive less than a block before arriving at a large buddhist temple with a filming set rigged up out front. My companion says "we're here".
I'm led to a small room and served tea. I meet a group of Chinese men in suits who all talk to each other excitedly. I, not having a clue what is going on, sit quietly and sip my tea.
Eventually, I'm ushered to the set, given a suit and join a group of dancers as a choreographer barks directions at us in Chinese. I watch everyone else and just guess what they want me to do.
Then the cameras start rolling.
A guy strolls in rapping. I am his Western Counterpart and trot behind him looking serious while he touches up some ladies, throws money in the air and punches a cow.
Somehow I have found myself in what I can only ignorantly describe as the Chinese equivalent of Gangnam Style. Then they gave me RMB300 and took me out to dinner.
I still can't fully comprehend what actually happened, but I loved it.

Teach, Learn, Share

I love to philosophise, dance, practice martial arts, yoga, exercise, cook, ponder the wonders of the Universe and celebrate life in general.
I love to learn about and experience all that life has to offer.
I have funny stories to share and I would love to hear yours too.
I also am a ritualistic cleaner, and am happy to help out around your home.

What I Can Share with Hosts

What ever resources I have while I am with you (money, food, etc) I will be happy to share and I am willing to contribute to your household in what ever capacity I am able.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, China, Estonia, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Finland