So much of life is about learning. Learning how to enjoy your own company, what you want from your time, what grabs your attention, how you negotiate with yourself to act on your thoughts, how you're best suited to help others, and... where to start.

I was raised in the desert metropolis of Abu Dhabi in a British bubble, playing lots of ice-hockey so that my Dad could still share some of his Canada with me. Every summer I stayed in Belgium to visit my Mom's very large close-knit family, roots I am proud of.

Now after 5 years in Canada taking Psychology & Political Science at the University of Toronto, I'm free as a bird. I'm hoping to put this time into learning more about what I want for the next chapter, by placing myself around new people, surroundings and experiences.

...I think I'll end up either as a nurse who then gets into health care policy, HRM, or doing something within an NGO related to international development. I've got to fix what I dislike in the world, starting small.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet the world. To challenge myself. To make new memories and friends.

I've hosted in Toronto which has made me see the city with new eyes through very cold winters. One of my surfers had travelled South America for 6 months, with only a 2.5kg backpack. He told me to always "take only what you need" and now I think of him and his German efficiency every time I pack a bag for my next trip.

I've surfed in Nepal, New York City and Montreal and it completely shaped the unique experience that I'm grateful for.

Interests

- Languages. Focusing on Dutch right now.
- Jiu-jitsu (3 months a student with a long journey ahead)
- Mindfulness Meditation
- International Development: Aid mobilization/distribution/fundraising. Imagining how to fix the issue of waste in the food industry.
- Finding a good book to be completely absorbed by.
- Cooking & nutrition
- Cycling
- Dancing!

Music, Movies, and Books

I need some more time to finish this section...as my tastes are broad and it's so hard to choose favourites.

Music.... : Sonia Spence and her beautiful soothing voice, tame impala, Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam, Abba, Foo Fighters, Alt-J, disclosure, first aid kid, bright eyes, frank sinatraaaa, Kate Bush, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Aretha Franklin, all of John Mayer, swing dance playlists, shakira, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Supertramp, Ratatat, Turnover, Nancy Ajram :p, Sonny Chillingworth (slack key guitar), and any classical guitar.

Books: Just finished Chess by Stefan Zweig, which was very exciting :). I was really into Alain De Botton for a while. I like reading about biology, history and art.

My favourite film is Billy Elliot followed by Taxi Driver, Cinema Paradiso or Perks of Being a Wallflower. Also love documentaries.

TV: Game of Thrones, Little Britain, Golden Girls, The Inbetweeners, Fawlty Towers, Fresh Prince, Absolutely Fabulous.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've seen the Buddhist prayer flags sway above the Annapurna winds of Nepal.

I was 17 when I went, and I came home hugging every electrical appliance that we owned and take for granted. I remember kids scoffing me at school in Abu Dhabi asking why I went there, to such a poor country, instead of Beirut or so to party for the weekend.

I know the trip changed my life and made me think a lot about what anyone really needs to be happy beyond family, friends, health, appreciating the little things and a dream.

Teach, Learn, Share

Share... everything
Learn... everything... I'd like to learn how to do basic coding.
Teach... I could teach you how to ice-skate :), or how to dance like no one is watching :D

What I Can Share with Hosts

Share... everything - I am happy to cook us a meal, clean your house, take care of your pets/plants, get us some Belgian beers!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Nepal, Netherlands, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, Canada, United Arab Emirates