Friendly, reliable, honest, supportive, easy going, laid back, funny, challenging, compassionate, professional, creative, a thinker.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Exchange conversations, thoughts, laughter and experiences with like minded people.

Interests

I am a Scot who has just returned to Edinburgh after living and working in Germany for the last 4 years. As a Scot of course I love my home country very much. But I love to travel too so I’ve taken lots of opportunities to see a few parts of the world with many more still to see. One place I always returned to was Germany so for the last 4 years I’ve lived there to see how living in a foreign country would be.

Initially I spent 6 months traveling through north Germany through a project called Helpx. This involved living with 7 different host families who gave accommodation and food in exchange for some light work or help. I then did a 8 month Intensive Language Course at VHS Lübeck.

After this I got a one year research job in Lübeck which involved setting up a network of progressive thinking foundations in Europe. I then moved to to Berlin in early 2015 to do Social Work based language course then for my last year I worked for a social work project working with young people and families in Lübeck.

I'm now back in Scotland and work as a freelance tour guide for German tourists.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Jumping out a plane. Had a parachute on when I did this in 1993 but it was an exhilorating moment all the same. Felt all wrong but so right once the parachute opened and I glided down in complete silence knowing that no-one could do anything about my movement other than me. So out of control and in control at the same time!

Spending 4 weeks in a campervan on South Island, New Zealand. The wildlife, the freedom, that chance to have breakfast in front of jaw dropping scenery. Unforgettable.

Deciding not to work full time. Have worked with young people since graduating in 2002. Decided in late 2011 not to continue my full time contract. Working on a sessional and part time has totally changed the way I live my life and given me a lot of freedom.

Teach, Learn, Share

My Scottish humour!
Knowledge of whisky.
Show people around and give a visitors perspective to a familiar place!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Conversation, thoughts, laughter, experiences.
Can cook a good meal.
When appropriate we could have a whisky together...it's made to share!

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United Kingdom