Hello, I'm Richard,

being in the nature and enjoying the sound of it brings me joy. A day long hike with barely seeing any other humans nurtures me. When you take a rest, eat/drink sth. and suddenly your surroundings awake and animals appear it’s just magical.

Besides that (mostly swing and blues) dancing was a nice fellow in my life so far. I regularly visit other cities for weekend dance workshops. The fact that even if you don’t speak each others language well but nevertheless can dance together - what you both independently learned - still astonishes me.

I like reading and going to the public library (especially on vacation) a lot. Learning something new from others, or with for example YouTube or through research never bores me. The internet and Wikipedia is a gift to my generation.

I’m a curious person and will ask questions. I like to get to know you, what’s important in your life, if you are happy with your life and what your (ongoing and) plans for the future are.

Having my sleeping mat with me, so I only need a floor - not even a couch if you don't have one. A garden, best with two trees for my hammock, would also be fine.

Non-Smoker / Vegetarian / Vegan

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I guess, what drove me to Couchsurfing is an interest in the real culture far from the tourist and sightseeing perspective.

I feel that exploring the culture and rhythm of a place necessitates spending time with people that live in that place, interact with it/them on a daily basis and call it home. Couchsurfing allows you to explore a place with someone who calls it home and also to learn all about your own home again in showing it off to others.

Interests

• books
• swing dancing
• vegetarian
• vegan
• board games
• reading
• minimalism
• music
• jazz
• blues
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• camping
• swimming
• ecology
• nature
• sustainability
• lindy hop
• self-development
• graphic novels
• libraries
• wikipedia
• guitar playing
• hammocking
• blues dancing
• swing music
• nature protection

Music, Movies, and Books

Ohh where to begin, "Guitar based" is probably a common denominator, but I'm pretty open, from Blues, Blues-Rock, Alternative, Indie, Pop, Jazz, Swing, Instrumental, Country, Folk, Grunge, Hip-Hop, Punk, Contemporary R&B, Rhythm and Blues, Funk, Soul, Rock'n'Roll, Rockabilly, Surf, Soundtracks...

I like to look up directors and am into arthouse cinema and movies from different cultures. Movies which challenge my viewing habits tend to be my favorites. I also like animated movies (Studio Ghibli etc.).

Didn't take the time for fiction books in a while (more non-fiction books about self development or relationships). In former times it was a little Noir and SciFi. I'm always starting too many books at once. Graphic novels are a great way for me to get out of my mind. There are so many great storytellers and illustrators.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Trust my instincts and trust life - not thinking everything to the end.
Grown on a personal level (overcoming arbitrary boundaries) and definitely do not intend to stop that...

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: Actually everything I know and you are interested in. Probably swing dancing (Lindy Hop, Balboa), blues dancing (Blues) or Solo Jazz. Hiking, Camping and Hammocking. Guitar playing. Programming. German (if you really want to :P).

Learn: Nothing in particular, maybe only share your passion and world view. I know it, when the time has come.

Share:
The Holstee Manifesto

This is your life.
Do what you love and do it often.
If you don't like something, change it.
If you don't like your job, quit.
If you don't have enough time, stop watching tv.
If you are looking for the love of your life, stop;
they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love.
Stop over analyzing, all emotions are beautiful.
When you eat, appreciate every last bite.
Life is simple.
Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences.
Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them.
Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself.
Some opportunities only come once, seize them.
Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them so go out and start creating.
Life is short.
Live your dream and share your passion.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Let's cook together (food costs go on me), attend a dancing event together or let's just talk about our passions.
Hopefully I can bring my second hammock, so if you feel like going on a hike trip with optional overnighter, you are more than welcome to join me.
Would also lend a hand in house cleaning (vacuuming, washing the dishes, ...).

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany