I left my home country, England, three years ago and, despite the nuisance of the Corona virus pandemic, I've been doing my best to learn about our beautiful world.

When I travel, I embrace the philosophy of living like a local - embracing the unique cultures and traditions of whichever country I am in. That means wearing the national dress, eating in local restaurants, learning the local language. This way, I believe, is the best way to truly learn about a country and its people.

I am also making YouTube videos, to promote education, and to share my experiences with whoever might find them interesting. In case you wanted to see what type of content I create, the name of my YouTube channel is smilingaroundtheglobe.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

First and foremost, I am on couchsurfing to connect and meet likeminded people, as well as experience a more authentic time while travelling. Up until recently, I have largely stayed in hostels - I enjoy the hostels environment, however, it is very transcient, that is, the connections are very temporary and, sometimes, not very meaningful.

Couchsurfing is the opposite, it allows me to meet a local person or family, and become good friends with them. In the case of a local family, I feel like a family member, which is an amazing feeling.

This is why I think couchsurfing is a great thing.

Interests

Exercising is one of my favourite hobbies, especially ones that give me the opportunity to lost myself in music (i.e. running and cycling). I also enjoy trying new things (food especially!); whenever I visit a new place I enjoy walking around and capturing my sights through my camera.

My medium term plans are to travel around the world for 7 years, and I kind of forced myself to take an interest in photography, so that I can attempt to capture some of my moments and memories. Before I ignorantly thought photography was nothing more than pressing a button on a camera; how wrong I was. I now love photography and I am trying to better myself all the time - it is much more difficult than just pressing a button! Whether it is with my camera, drone or GoPro, I suddenly love creating interesting content. If you've similar interests, why don't we go out and take some pictures sometime?

• culture
• photography
• running
• drones
• reading
• music
• cycling
• hiking
• swimming
• exploring
• exploring new places
• meeting new people
• video editing
• fresh air
• meeting new cultures
• eating good food
• helping others

Music, Movies, and Books

The type of music I listen to depends on my mood and also what I am doing. If I am exercising (running or cycling, for example), I will listen to electronic music, as this takes me on a journey. If I am just relaxing, I will listen to downtempo or ambient music. There is so much music being made and released nowadays, and I love finding a new song that I love.

My favourite movie is an American movie called "Rat Race". I won't explain the storyline, but I will say it is hilarious - maybe we can watch it together? :D

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Tried English fish and chips (I honestly can't think of anything amazing, maybe we can change that?)

Teach, Learn, Share

Since beginning my current trip in January, through watching Youtube videos and general practice, I have noticed an improvement in my photography skills. So, I am happy to share these, and even more, I am happy to take photos for you or your family - for free of course! :D We can have one together too :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am able to take photos for you if you want; I can help around the house, with cleaning; I can assist with cooking, or I can even cook for you.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Austria, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Malaysia, Maldives, Montenegro, Nepal, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Poland, Romania, Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

England