After finishing my degree in Geography and Sociology I am taking a break from my studies in New Zealand to explore Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Germany. I have a taste for good conversation, art, music and ideas. I try to be adventurous with my socialising and always aim to seek out peoples best qualities. In New Zealand I live with artists, musicians, activists and academics and have interests that lie in these areas.

I highly value empathy and respect. I attempt to keep these traits in mind when interacting with others, and think very highly of those that are respectful and empathetic. Sharing and reciprocity are key ideas I associate with and

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet great people while abroad - So far while travelling I have been staying at friend's places or at Air Bnb's, so am looking to experience travel beyond this method of accomodation.

I work, study, cook, garden, party and get involved in political organisations. I am always welcoming to anyone needing a place or a friend in NZ, albeit have never used the couchsurfing system to do it.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

None thus far through the website, but have spent much time staying at friends places thus far on this trip.

Interests

I have a growing albeit amateur interest in philosophy and politics, which I try to put into practice through activism, advocacy and community work. I like parties, live music and enjoy adventurous conversation!

• arts
• cooking
• partying
• gardening
• politics
• music
• live music

Music, Movies, and Books

movies:

At the moment I have been particularly into David Cronenberg films, and I guess I am a fan of all films with a good vision, whether hollywood or more arty / international. I particularly love animated japanese films such as those directed by Satoshi kon or Hayao Miyazaki. My criticker profile listing some of my favourite films, albeit somewhat out of date: http://www.criticker.com/profile/Djakedown

music:
Constantly changing but I'm mostly into electronic genres such as techno or house but am also into hip-hop, punk and indie rock. In saying this, I will still always appreciate a classic pop tune. here is my music profile on last.fm:
http://www.last.fm/user/Djakedown
While travelling I have primarily been in Germany so have quite a taste for techno, meaning while I would love to go to more techno shows I feel like I want to explore new genres. I am a big fan of any percussive music.

books: I'm into, but not limited to sci-fi - Phillip K Dick and JG Ballard are two favourites. I like Kurt Vonnegut too. I am just about to finish reading Bone Clocks by David Mitchell.

I also read philosophy - Primarily critical theory. Am a big fan of Marx.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Studied sex work geography in a town in New Zealand - Which I can tell you all about in person!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Ideas, conversation, stories, advice, art, cooking skills, repair skills.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Macedonia, Poland, Serbia, Spain, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

New Zealand