G’day! I’m originally from Germany, but I made the bold move to the other side of the world and have called Western Australia home since 2017. Since then, I’ve lived in a few different places across WA — including Broome, Denmark, Manjimup, and several suburbs around Perth and Fremantle.

I’m easy-going, honest, and quite spontaneous — the kind of mate who’s always up for a chat and a laugh, but also genuinely enjoys good conversation, sharing experiences, and learning from others. Friends, family, and workmates often describe me as helpful and supportive, mostly because I’m very solutions-oriented. I’d rather focus on what we can do next than complain about what went wrong.

That mindset fits perfectly with what I do for work in Risk and Compliance Management — it’s basically about solving puzzles, improving systems, and staying calm when things get messy.

I really enjoy connecting with people from different backgrounds and countries, and I love those “how did we end up talking about this?” conversations — from current events and self-development to life goals, adventures, and everything in between.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

After spending 25 months in Australia as a “German backpacker”, I eventually settled here for good. These days I only couchsurf occasionally, but I still love the idea behind it — connecting with people, sharing stories, and learning about different ways of life.

Whenever I travel (overseas or around regional WA), I always try to experience the place beyond the tourist side. For me, the best memories don’t come from hotels — they come from great conversations, local tips, shared meals, and those simple day-to-day moments that make a place feel real.

To this day, I’m still in touch with some of my hosts from Australia and Thailand, and a few of them have become long-term mates. That’s what I love most about it: you might meet as strangers, but you can walk away as friends.

All of this is also a reminder for me to live fully — and not postpone the things that really matter.

Interests

I’m into a good mix of things — reading (especially leadership/management, history, and medicine), staying active (soccer and triathlons), and enjoying the outdoors WA-style: camping and fishing in remote spots with no phone reception, ideally somewhere near the beach.

I also enjoy music, exploring the local craft beer scene (dangerous hobby 😄), language exchange, podcasts, movies, health and fitness, and history and culture. I’m learning Taiwanese and I’m really keen to improve — always happy for language exchange or to practise with locals.

At home I’m also spending time with our two “real landlords” — our cats 😄 I’m basically practising my Taiwanese with them… but they’re not very helpful.

• podcasts
• music
• language exchange
• books and movies
• health and fitness
• soccer/football
• travelling and meeting new people
• camping and hiking
• history and culture

Music, Movies, and Books

Books I’ve really enjoyed (just to mention a few)
● Formosa Betrayed — George H. Kerr
● How to Win Friends and Influence People — Dale Carnegie
● The Big Deception — Thorsten Schulte
● The Indoctrinated Brain — Dr Michael Nehls
● The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business — Josh Kaufman

Documentaries that made me think
● Ancient Apocalypse — Graham Hancock
● Invisible Nation (Taiwan: 看不見的國家)

Movies I can recommend
● All Quiet on the Western Front (German: Im Westen nichts Neues)
● Hello Ghost (Taiwan: 鬼愛你 / Hello Ghost)
● Lightening Up the Stars (China: 人生大事)
● Marry My Dead Body (Taiwan: 關於我和鬼變成家人的那件事)

Series I got hooked on
● A Thousand Good Nights (Taiwan: 一千個晚安)
● Forget You Not (Taiwan: 忘了我記得)
● The IT Crowd
● Wave Makers (Taiwan: 人選之人—造浪者)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In 2017, I made one of the best decisions of my life: I stepped out of my comfort zone and moved to Australia for what was meant to be “just one year”. That one year turned into a whole new chapter — and honestly, a completely different life.

After about 10 months living up north in WA, I realised Germany no longer felt like home. I applied for my second Working Holiday Visa, kept building my life here step by step, and worked towards permanent residency — which I achieved in 2021.

And in 2025, I finally became an Australian citizen — something I’m genuinely proud of and grateful for. Looking back, it’s been a wild ride… and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Teach, Learn, Share

I’ve always been a craftsman at heart — I enjoy building things, improving things, and figuring out how to do them better. But what I’ve enjoyed just as much over the years is learning from others and then passing that knowledge on.

With years of hands-on and management experience (and a strong habit of reading and personal development), I’m always keen to share practical tips, ideas, and lessons learned — whether it’s work, travel, life, or just helping someone move forward with their own goals.

I genuinely believe we all grow faster when we support each other, keep an open mind, and have a good chat along the way. And I’m not here to lecture anyone — I’m here to listen, exchange perspectives, and learn from each other. If we end up sharing a good chat, a new idea, or a different way of seeing things, that’s a win for me.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I’m an easy-going, respectful, and tidy guest who’s happy to fit into your routine — whether you’re up for a chat or prefer your own space.

I can share good conversation, laughs, and genuine cultural exchange. I love meaningful talks about life, goals, health, history, personal development, and different perspectives — but I’m also just as happy with simple everyday chats over a coffee or dinner.

If you’d like, I’m always keen for:
● a walk or little local adventure
● camping/outdoor yarns and travel stories
● checking out cafés
● swapping book/movie/series recommendations

And if it naturally comes up, I’m also happy to share practical insights from my background in management and Risk and Compliance — especially around decision-making and problem-solving (in a friendly way, not “work mode”).

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Hungary, Malaysia, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Germany, Hungary, Spain