CURRENT MISSION

I live on a small holding on the Garden Route of South Africa. I am currently working on a PhD dealing with human-baboon coexistence, and I also work on our property with gardening, building etc. Occasionally I play gigs as I am a clarinetist in an acoustic music duo.

So, mostly things dealing with the environment, sustainable living, and creative pursuits are things that occupy my days and that I am very passionate about. Otherwise, I also spend time meeting friends, hiking, going to the beach, reading, and walking with my dogs.

ABOUT ME

I am a nature-bound, calm person. I enjoy my little home and spending time with animals and in the natural surroundings, but I also love meeting people, going for a coffee in town, adventuring and cycling.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've met wonderful people through Couch surfing and have been delighted for the things related to or followed by these encounters. Mostly I've couch surfed myself, and have also hosted a few people at my place.

I hope to also meet new couch surfers in the coming times and host people when I am around (my work does take me around a little bit). Do get in touch should you be in the area and wish to meet or stay over.

Interests

I most enjoy sharing nature experiences - with other people, or on my own. Walks, talks, cycling, hiking, beach, forest... There are beautiful places on the Garden Route to explore.

I have a great interest and passion for interaction between living beings of all kinds. And how awareness and mindfulness can help create more compassionate relationships - between people and all their environment. It is a fascinating, strange and mysterious quest, for life.. but also part of what I incorporate in my work, with youth, nature education, and in my research too, in which the focus is on non-violent communication.

I do love chatting about these or so many other topics with people, over a cup of coffee or tea, or on a walk, or in a restaurant... Plettenberg Bay has lovely options for all these social things as well.

• books
• singing
• environment
• walking
• gardening
• drawing
• music
• guitar

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy playing and listening to music overall, but perhaps most enjoy folk music, "world music", indie style, and some classical music.

Some of the books I especially loved reading include the series Earth's Children, the Lord of the Rings, New Earth by Eckhart Tolle, the Wheel of Time series... and many more.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I spent some months in the jungles of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea doing field work on bushmeat hunting and its alternatives; this was a very rich time for me in terms of growth, learning, and socializing. And it was just very special spending time in those biomes and cultures. Something I may wish to re-visit again and again.

Teach, Learn, Share

I do know a little bit about the nature in the area where I live, and can show some nice local places. I can also show you how to play the clarinet:)
I love to learn about sustainability, different ways of living and world views... and about almost anything, really! This world is such a curious place.

What I Can Share with Hosts

With hosts I can share conversation, company over a walk if so wished, or food - I like cooking and baking especially.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Cameroon, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Peru, Russian Federation, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, Netherlands, South Africa