How do I see myself? Hmm...that's tricky. I'd prefer to ask you how you see me!

If I have to, I'd say I'm an introvert who likes good company, good conversation and good food...probably in that order. I'm trying to listen more, to understand more and to think carefully about what I say and do in my own life. I'm trying to live as gently as possible, to figure out what works for me and to be tolerant and non-judgemental of those who choose a different path to mine.

I love adventure and a certain amount of spontaneity and risk. I believe that challenging yourself physically and mentally keeps you humble and makes you appreciate what you have in life. I love reading, listening to podcasts, discussing interesting or controversial topics, card and board games involving strategy, spending time in beautiful natural surroundings.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I joined Couch Surfing because I want to meet people from different backgrounds and learn from them. Travellers often have unique experiences and interesting stories (they're interesting people!), while local hosts give you a window into their world, which is often very different to your own. It's SO much cooler than staying at a bland hotel where everyone is from somewhere else and ignoring eachother anyway. On top of this hosts share other crucial info like where to eat and what to see. And often you are introduced to their friends and have cool conversations...what's not to like?!

Interests

• photography
• reading
• traveling
• music
• hiking
• rock climbing
• history
• science
• nature
• adventure
• discussion
• learning
• new experiences
• meeting new people
• current affairs
• cycle touring
• growing food
• fixing things

Music, Movies, and Books

I have wide ranging tastes when it comes to music, books and movies. I like it as long as it's good ;)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

A few years ago I paddled down the length of South Africa's longest river - the Gariep - with two friends. It's a journey of about 2200km and took two months. The scenery is spectacular and varied. You go from the green grassy slopes of the Maluti Moutains in Lesotho, through the granite canyons at Augrabies, to the hyper-arid desert plains before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. It was a wild and free adventure, definitely once in a lifetime!

Teach, Learn, Share

I want to develop a better understanding of the everyday lives of people from different cultural backgrounds to my own. I want to share my first-hand experiences with my family, friends and anyone else who is interested so that it's not just me doing the learning.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'd love to share my travelling experiences with my hosts and inspire them with stories of adventure and the generosity of others. I can cook food, and I'm happy to do so, although I won't claim any special talent there. I have modest general mechanical knowledge and I'm a competent bicycle mechanic if that is required.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Czech Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, France, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Rwanda, Scotland, Senegal, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, Togo, Turkey, United Kingdom, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, United Kingdom