Hey there! :)

Happy, you found the way to my profile!

I'm Raphael, 26 years old and currently living in Thuringia, right in the center of Germany. It's also called the "green heart of Germany" due to all the forest around here. It's quite nice here, but after grinding on my master's thesis for half a year, I'm ready to hit the road again!

I'm all about keeping an open mind and chasing after every adventure I can find. Whether I'm traveling, working, or just hanging out, I'm always on the lookout for something new to learn or a challenge to tackle. That’s what makes me happy!

I'm a big fan of the great outdoors and try to spend every free minute soaking up some nature vibes. Photography is a passion of mine, and there's nothing like capturing a perfect moment in the wild. I'm also pretty active and love to play Ultimate Frisbee, hitting the gym, or trail running to explore the terrain. Trekking and camping are my kind of adventure - there's something about being immersed in nature that just feels right. Whether it's a challenging hike or just chilling by the campfire, I'm all in!

The photos on my profile are a bit outdated. If you'd like to see more recent snapshots of my adventures and day-to-day life, feel free to follow me on Instagram at @raphaelrausch. See you there!

Got questions? Hit me up! Always down for a chat. :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is more than just a platform; it's a gateway to authentic experiences. The true essence of any place is best understood through its locals, and that's what I'm here for. I value the insights, stories, and tips that only a local can offer. Engaging with diverse perspectives and drawing inspiration from them is what keeps my travel journey enriched. :))

Music, Movies, and Books

Kinda everything. Depends on the day's vibe, but Two Feet never gets old.

My to-read pile is... ambitious. There's something wild about soaking up wisdom from game-changers for just a few bucks and a couple hours. Big fan of non-fiction that sparks new thoughts on life, hobbies, society, and more. That being said, every now and then, diving into a good novel or thriller quit nice. There's nothing like a gripping story to unwind and get lost in!

Not much of a TV guy, but I'm down for a solid movie or a thrilling series that gets me thinking or inspires the next adventures.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Spending a whole winter in northern Norway, catching the Northern Lights almost nightly.

Speedboating through the strait of Georgia in Western Canada.

Road tripping along Canada's east coast for a month.

A night in a Berber Camp in the Sahara Desert. Epic.

Teach, Learn, Share

I've got a knack for the digital world and have honed my skills in SEO and website creation over the years. Having studied e-commerce and worked independently for several years, I've got a solid understanding of the online landscape. Whether it's optimizing a website to rank on Google or crafting an engaging online experience, I've been there and done that. If you're interested, I'd love to share some insights or even help troubleshoot any digital challenges you might be facing. Let's geek out together over some code and analytics!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm eager to bring a positive and respectful vibe into your space. I'm all about sharing experiences and can whip up a traditional German meal to bring a taste of my home to yours. I'm always up for swapping travel stories, photography tips, or even getting active with a game of Ultimate Frisbee. If you're interested, I can also share insights from my reading list or chat about our favorite movies and music. And, of course, I'm more than happy to lend a hand with chores or errands while I'm staying. I'm here to connect, learn, and contribute to making your hosting experience as enjoyable as possible!

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Germany, Spain