Hi! My name is Ruben. I am currently 27 years old (1991), living in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

I am a kind and openhearted person, eager to learn and eager for new connections. As a guest, I make sure to abide to the house rules (I like rules and clarity) and to not be a burden. As a host, I make sure to make you feel comfortable and at home - and I would love to show you around and tell you the story of how the bigger part of the Dom Church has collapsed in the 1600s, forever dividing the rest of the church from the famous bell tower.

Music is the air I breathe, especially choral music. Much of the trips I make are in reference to choral music, including visiting New York in March 2019. I am self-employed, full-time focussing on choral music and singing in general, and concretely working on arrangements, doing rehearsals or concerts, or organizing events for singers from the entire Netherlands. Want to know more about my professional activities? Visit www.rubensmitsmusic.com.

I have seen quite a lot of Europe (although the northern countries of Scandinavia are still on my bucket list), and I always amazed by the big diversity of climate and the looks of nature throughout the continent. One of the most amazing experiences was visiting Cappadocia, Turkey. You feel like you suddenly ended up in a movie decor of 'The Hobbit' of 'Lord of the Rings'!

I love every kind of dog, including the hot one :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I hope to meet people who like to help me be comfortable in their home town, as much as I would like to do the same in Utrecht.
Apart from the Asian part of Istanbul and Cappadocia, I did not travel outside Europe yet. Therefore, traveling to New York is very exciting for me, but I'm looking forward to everything to come!

Interests

• dogs
• singing
• music
• netflix
• korfball

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies:
Hachi (A Dog's Tale) - if you want to see me cry my eyes out, put me in a chair and play this for me.

Books:
I have soo many books I still want to read.. I buy more books than I can read, I guess..

Music:
I am a musical omnivore, but in the end, it all comes down to choral music :) What else do you need..

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Conducted Mozarts "Requiem" with symphony orchestra as well as a choir project with music of Queen, in the same month. I am a musical omnivore :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

My love for choir music and inspiration, a laugh and a beer

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Turkey