Hello Global Friends! I'm a forward thinking creative who enjoys working with my hands. Whether that be writing or building I just can't wait to get stuck in. During the summer I work at music festivals in the U.K., making enough money to travel during the winter.

I'm never in one place for too long. I live in a van during the summer and then head off with a backpack after that. For now I am taking some time out to experience the world and find out where I would like to settle down. I'm also learning how to make beautiful photos. I love my camera and carry it with me everywhere.

I am an advocate of the slow travel movement, but I am still completing my tranformation to a slow traveller. I like to travel independently using my own two feet as much as I can. If not train, bus, boat or hitching. I want to continue travelling in our beautiful natural world throughout my life and so must travel in a way which minimises my environmental impact. It's not always easy (especially dirt cheap flights).

It is extremely important to challenge yourself both mentally and physically at all times. Physically I do this through my interest in hiking, cycling, climbing and other adventure sports. I try to read as much as possible, although I am a slow reader (apparently I take it in better though!). I also think that educating others is a great way to challenge ones own thinking and understanding of a subject.

PHILOSOPHY

Personal:

You cannot surf and be surfed, you must host and be hosted.

A man cannot become wise in one place, at one time, from one piece of information.

Judge yourself by the company you keep.

Sharing your single meal is far more satisfying than eating alone.

A country is not travelled in a week long holiday.

Inspiring people to inspire others is the ultimate achievement.

Life is what you make it, so make it good.

Do not fantasise of a paradise, it will never be as good as you expect. One day your paradise will come from where you least expect it.

A closed door leads nowhere.

Films, Books & Other such things:

If you're all about the destination then take a fucking flight, we're going nowhere slowly, but we're seeing all the sights. - A Ballad of Me and My Friends, Frank Turner

It is better to be loved and respected by wise men, than petted and admired by silly ones - Little Women, Louisa May Alcott

You see a mouse trap, I see free cheese and a fucking challenge - Introdiction, Scroobius Pip

Awareness of ignorance is the beginning of knowledge - Essentials of Ecology, Townsend, Begon and Harper

Pourquoi je suis sur Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have been a member of couchsurfing for 5 years. When possible I have hosted many people and tried to use it while travelling. I have attended a few events in London and around the world. I am now moving around in my van or travelling which makes it difficult for people to find me on search. However I'm still keen to host I think I can find people on search.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Most have been very good. I have had a few people stay who are only interested in a place to stay. This I do not like. I also like to see that you have given something to the community before taking (Host before surfing).

Probably when you request to stay I'm just going to tell you my plans and then see what you think.

Centres d'intérêt

I find many of my interests from other peoples interests. If you can make your interests sound interesting then it'll probably grab me as it has you.

I like most things creative and also partake in Climbing, Slacklining, Surfing and other such sports. During the summer I try to go to lots of festivals and sometimes gigs. This year I have worked at 10 different festivals.

I write about my travels on my blog www.nathenfitchen.wordpress.com.

Morceaux de musique, films et livres

I can't really stress how important music is to my life. I actively search for new ways (and old) in the development music and enjoy so many different genre so I have a very ecclectic music taste.

Check out the line-ups of the festivals I've been to this year to get an idea of the music I like: Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Shambala and Boomtown.

It's the same for films as well. Sadly I don't get to see many while I travelling, but I seriously love to watch a good film. Especially in the cinema. Recently I've enjoyed: Youth, High Rise, Casablanca, Dr Strangelove and Hot Fuzz.

This year I challenged myself to read a book a month and I think I'm already there!

Une aventure extraordinaire que j'ai vécue

It is hard to list one amazing thing when I have done so many but I guess I would have to say getting to where I am right now. It hasn't been easy but totally worth it.

I'll update this as I go starting with:

- Working on the vineyards of southern France with a really amazing community. 24 fantastic characters, lots of grape and a priceless experience. Now done this for the second year and it was even better!

- Standing on the edge of a 300m waterfall and feeling wind from beneath in Chiapas's Diamantina, Brazil.

- Taking an 8 day cruise from Gran Canaria to Brazil with a bunch of crazy travellers.

- Working and living in a permaculture community in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia.

- Camping out on the largest sand dune in Europe (Dune du Pilat) with 5 new friends.

- Spending a month cycling from France to Italy on my own when I was 18.

Enseignez, apprenez, partagez

I enjoy learning about new cooking styles and recipes from around the world, herbs and edible plants. Foraging and sustainable living is also with in my interests. Everyone can teach me something, so give me all you want!

I can teach geology and about my way of life. I'm full of many facts and interesting stories! I also know a lot about festivals and now also a bit about cycle touring! I can also already cook and give great massages. I'm pretty good at fixing things too.

Pays que j'ai visités

Estonia, France, India, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Pays dans lesquels j'ai vécu

United Kingdom

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