Hi, I'm Matthew, a Canadian dude desperate to break out of the northern wilderness and experience more of this beautiful blue (and green) earth.

Part of me is embarrassed to admit it, but I've lived in the same place for the entirety of my life. That's three decades in a small city in British Columbia, Canada. Quite frankly, I needed to get out!

That's not to say there's anything dreadfully wrong with Kamloops. It's a nice place for outdoor adventure and a safe bet for raising a family (or retiring). However, I've well explored the area, I'm not starting a family anytime soon, and I'm certainly not retiring.

I may not be giving myself enough credit when it comes to travel, as I have done a fair bit of trekking. In fact, from 2009 to 2016 I played drums in an alternative rock/pop band called Van Damsel. It was a wild ride. We wrote and released three albums, made several music videos, toured and performed across Canada multiple times, and used our musicianship to raise funds for worthy causes. We may have even partied a little bit ;)

In late 2016, Van Damsel chose to disband. We all had our own desires and aspirations that needed to be fulfilled outside of the group. A part of me definitely misses the band life, but another side of me is excited for the future!

Besides travel as a musician, I have spent a little time in Japan, the US, and Mexico. Each adventure only serves to spur me on to more and greater challenges.

On January 15th, 2017 I turned 30. The big 3-0. Sure, age is just a number. I know. But there's something culturally significant about 30. Our twenties seem to be considered a time for searching and learning, for challenges and mistakes, for partying and exploring. And I agree with that. But I have no reason to believe my thirties will be any different.

In fact, 30 has been a rebirth of sorts. Following my birthday, I embarked on a new journey outside of Canada. Beginning in Mexico City, I backpacked through Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. I plan to continue through Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and who knows where else!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

In the past I have typically stayed at hotels, hostels, AirBnbs, or with friends while travelling. Though I had often heard about Couchsurfing, I hadn't really considered actually doing it. Now that I will be travelling solo, I think it makes sense to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

Though I've yet to appreciate it myself, my understanding is that Couchsurfing is a much better way to experience a new place. One gets to interact with a local host who undoubtedly has a plethora of knowledge on the area. It's a chance to get off the well-worn hostel trail and encounter something more unique and intimate.

And let's be real, it's also a great way to save money while travelling long-term!

Interests

• writing
• singing
• photography
• chocolate
• beer
• exercise
• meditation
• technology
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• music
• philosophy
• psychology
• sociology
• solo travel
• food
• learning languages
• latin america
• healthy lifestyle
• reddit
• making friends
• spanish
• futurism
• japanese culture
• drumming
• resistance training

Music, Movies, and Books

Music:
I try to keep my ears open and free from prejudice, so I'm able to enjoy a wide variety of music. My tastes range from brazen hip hop and brash metal to peaceful piano and pretentious progressive rock. Some of my favourite all-time artists include Kate Bush, Tool, Drake, Diplo and The Dillinger Escape Plan. I must admit, I don't really listen to country, but can get into country-inspired artists like Bright Eyes and First Aid Kit.

Movies:
I'm a little more picky when it comes to movies. Basically, I try not to waste my time on shitty films. I prefer films with strong messages and themes that leave you thinking about them long afterwards. The best movies are those that you can sit down and talk about for hours after the final credits have come and gone. Then again, I also like some films just because I think they're fun and cool. Some of my favs include Amelie, Princess Mononoke, The Fifth Element, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Snatch, Waking Life, I Heart Huckabees.

TV:
Some shows I've loved recently include Black Mirror, Mr. Robot, House of Cards, Game of Thrones, Rick & Morty, Cowboy Bebop, Stranger Things.

Books:
I'm a big fan of Stephen King, George R.R. Martin, and Haruki Murakami. I also enjoy non-fiction, as long as it's thought-provoking. I read what interests me, and topics include gender and sexuality, evolutionary biology, environment and sustainability, music, and technology.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I won a contest to spend a week at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama when I was eleven years old. I didn't really comprehend how cool it was gonna be at the time. I was pretty homesick for the first few days, but once I relaxed a bit I found it to be an incredible experience. I mean, it's space. The final frontier and all that. How could it not be cool?!

Teach, Learn, Share

I've spent a lot of time around music, so I have a solid grasp of the writing, recording, and production process. Furthermore, I have a good understanding of all the other little details of the music industry as a business, which many musicians don't consider but is of utmost importance for success in that field.

I'm also a writer. I keep a blog and undertake written assignments from time to time. I can offer advice pertaining to writing, editing, etc.

I am a native English speaker and will be teaching ESL throughout my journey. If you have questions about the language I'd be happy to assist.

My university major was sociology and I love to discuss the varied topics connected to that discipline including gender relations, class warfare, popular culture, power and control, and climate change.

I'm a lifelong learner. I am working on my Spanish skills, I am trying to improve my meditation practice, and I'm learning how to live a minimalist lifestyle. I'm always searching for new ways to live and improve life for myself and others around me.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love to play music and would be open to jamming. Drums are my primary instrument but I also play guitar, bass, and sing.

I'm a pretty open guy and know how to enjoy a good time. At the same time, I value privacy and independence and will be respectful of your time.

Countries I’ve Visited

Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Colombia