CURRENT MISSION

Well I guess that I have several missions/aims in life!

These include....

Making a positive contribution to my community and the world, whether that is through volunteering or just trying to be a good neighbour, friend, citizen.

Learning about different cultures and people, both foreign and local. This essentially is what attracts me to CS, especially as it is entirely in the spirit of sharing without any monetary link (there's an interesting discussion to be had about how companies like Airbnb try to create a similar sense of community to CS, but ultimately it is an economic transaction and I love the fact that CS is primarily based on a spirit of generosity and not financial reward).

Learning languages (I've been trying to learn Spanish and French for the last few years).

Writing and performing music. I play guitar and sing and I'm in a couple of bands. I also write my own material and this is my main focus these days.

ABOUT ME

I moved to Oxford in 2011 and before that I lived in Manchester for 18 months, working for a human rights organisation there.

Prior to that I lived in beautiful South Africa for 2 years, working in the Ministry of Finance.

There's so much to see and learn in the UK. Sometimes I think the British don't realise it and many people are restless to explore overseas, but there's so much natural beauty here and there are also a lot of fascinating people all around. I'd be happy to share my UK travel tips with any visitors.

Things I love...football (I've been to the last two world cups, including the final in South Africa, but I'd rather play than watch if I'm honest).

Hiking (Lake district, Drakensberg, I would like to go hiking in continental Europe soon), singing, riding my motorbike, playing the guitar and politics.

I'm a considerate and reliable guest/host, which I think is a pretty important part of the CS philosophy, as no-one likes to be taken advantage of and I appreciate that some people don't respect the unwritten code of couchsurfing.

PHILOSOPHY

Too many to list. And they're all cliches!

Be good to yourself and others. Can't go wrong with that.

Try to make a positive contribution outside of your own circle of friends and family.

Put yourself in others' shoes because we often get caught up in our own problems and forget about others.

Don't judge people on appearances. Often the most fascinating, kindest people are not what they seem on the surface. I really believe that by judging people on first impressions many people miss out on a lot of opportunities.

Por qué estoy en Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've been a guest a few times and I am really inspired by the hospitality and trust people have shown. CS-ers seem to have a really open mind and are generous people, which I really like.

I absolutely love sharing tips about Oxford, including places to eat, to get nice coffee, quiet/beautiful spots, interesting buildings, history, etc.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I had my first couchsurfing experience a couple of years ago whilst travelling with my mate Taj. We were on a 125cc motorbike tour of the south coast and stayed with Laura in Newton Abbott.

I followed this up staying with some very cool people in France in Easter.

Intereses

Music. I'm in a Beatles cover band. We're called the Oxford Beatles. Yes, I know I look nothing like any of the Beatles! I also write originals. Here is my soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/8riaz4

I love electronic dance music (mainly minimal techno) and "world" music (check out my playlists that I've pasted a link to below). I really enjoy music festivals and going to good clubs with a decent sound system.

I also love hip hop and grunge.

I like volunteering wherever I am living (in Oxford that is at the local food bank and a wonderful drop-in food/drink centre called the Gatehouse).

Riding my motorbike.

Hiking.

• singing
• music festivals
• festivals
• dancing
• human rights
• coffee
• drinking
• clubbing
• politics
• traveling
• music
• guitar
• dance music
• hiking
• soccer
• history
• languages
• volunteering

Música, películas y libros

I love certain types of electronic music, including DJs like Paul Kalkbrenner, George Fitzgerald, John Talabot, Caribou. I like good quality soundsystems, speakers, headphones, guitar amplifiers (I'm going weak at the knees just thinking about it....).

I've been working on a playlist for a house party that I don't think I'll ever host...I just like to talk to my friends about it and get myself excited ("guys, it's gonna be the best party ever!")

I adore reading. Some favourites include Lolita, For Whom the Bell Tolls, plus everything I read as a kid (Narnia, Roald Dahl, Famous Five...standard stuff!). But lots more.

Algo increíble que he hecho

This is something to share during a couchsurf itself I feel....but there are a few that spring to mind and they're putting a smile on my face as I type:

Seeing the milky way in its full glory in Lesotho.

Hiking the Fish River canyon in Namibia.

Enseña, aprende, comparte

I can teach you the guitar. Possibly not very well, but I'll try.

Here are some playlists of music that I like and that I think are pretty bloody good:

https://open.spotify.com/user/riazahmad84/playlist/3QPmJBVS64LVIT6aW3qP6K

https://open.spotify.com/user/riazahmad84/playlist/05H0Sck00bVaobsdzEd8oo

Qué puedo ofrecer a los anfitriones

I'm open-minded, curious and considerate (not blowing my own trumpet here but it's worth saying!).

The ideal CS experience for me would involve deep conversation, good music, good food and the warm feeling you get when you've met a like-minded, generous person.