I am Stefan. I'm German and Canadian. Some refer to me as Gernadian. So my childhood has been this unique amalgamation of the best of both cultures. As a result, when push comes to shove, Germany for fussball (soccer), and Canada for hockey, no exceptions.

One of the most important things in my life is my faith. I'm a Christian and have been since my teens. My faith has had a really big impact in my life throughout those formative years and continues to do so. I actively serve in my home church and am passionate about making a difference. If you have any questions about this part of my life, I'm an open book.

I consider myself an extroverted introvert. I gain my energy in solitude, however, I appreciate getting to know people in the context of smaller groups.

I have done extensive travelling through Southeast Asia, Australia, and South Asia after highschool. I even lived in Hong Kong for two years working for an international non-profit organization. Since those experiences, I've honestly really enjoyed being a local for a number of years. Though I do enjoy travelling, I also do enjoy settling and building into my local community.

At the moment, I'm enrolled at UBC as a civil engineering student. I really enjoy my studies and particularly working in the engineering industry. If you have any questions about civil infrastructure, hopefully I can give you a half-decent answer.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Though I haven't travelled much internationally as of late, I've thoroughly enjoyed living and thriving in a local community for a number of years. As a result, I love sharing about this beautiful corner of the world that I now call home.

In all my travelling and couchsurfing experiences, my biggest highlights are the connections I have made and the people I have met. Travelling and hosting provides unique connections that you wouldn't otherwise meet in your daily life.

When I was in Wellington, New Zealand, after struggling to find a hostel to stay, this women on the train northbound offered to help me find a place. She connected me with two guys from her church (whom she didn't know all too well since she just started attending), who drove up from the next town to pick me up. Staying with these two kiwis was the best experience of my time in New Zealand. They lived in a house on the coast, went surfing every day, and just took me into their daily life. I will always treasure and remember their wonderful hospitality and the fun I had staying with these two kiwis.

When I was in Seaside, Oregon, I contacted a couchsurfing host who let us stay in his place the same day. He was away from his house at the time, but said we can just walk into his house and make ourself at home. We had a wonderful time connecting with our couchsurfing host.

My parents are hosts on this organization called WWOOF (world wide opportunities on organic farms). WWOOF is an organization that connects people with organic farms. Through it people exchange their time working on the farm for room, board, and a terrific rural cultural experience. Through this platform, our family has met incredible people and lifelong friends.

My hope is to be a part of the culture of giving and receiving. Our world often focuses on what we can gain in life, whether that is money, experiences, or power. But I hope to be a part of the reciprocity exchange that this platform and others provide.

Interests

I enjoy cooking and making healthy wholesome food. During the summer I usually find myself rock climbing and chilling at the beach. During the winter, I am usually up in Whistler skiing most weekends. At all times of the year, I enjoy practising hot yoga and cycling commuting and occasional recreational cycle rides.

I enjoy talking at length about society, politics, or culture. Usually, whatever is brought to my attention by the recent podcasts I've been listening to.

• cooking
• traveling
• podcasts
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• skiing
• rock climbing

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: mix of alternative, indie, and rock, mixed with a healthy dose of electronic.
- Tame Impala
- Foster the People
- Switchfoot
- Coldplay (their concerts are incredible by the way)
- Jon Foreman
- Oh Wonder!
- Local Natives
- Tom Misch.

Movies: I'm not really much of a movie guy as most of the movies in the last ten years haven't been all that impressive. Foreign films on the other hand seem to have had a strong showing. Here are a few suggestions that have contradicted my general opinion of movies:
- The Adjustment Bureau (USA)
- The Godfather (USA)
- The Bourne Series (USA)
- The Departed (USA)
- Ocean's 11 (USA)
- Lord of the Rings (NZ)
- The Intouchables (France)
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Sweden)
- Goodbye, Lenin! (Germany)
- 3 Idiots (India)
- Grand Budapest Hotel

TV Shows: this generation is definitely the golden age of TV. Too many good shows to keep up with.
- Arrested Development
- The Office (USA)
- How I Met Your Mother
- Narcos
- Sherlock Holmes (BBC)

Books: I'm an engineer. I don't read too many books. But when I do, they're usually non-fiction, addictive, and incredible.
- Endurance: The Story of Ernest Shackleton
- Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas
- Mere Christianity by CS Lewis
- Red Notice (Bill Browder)
- Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling)

Podcasts: too many to mention.
- S-Town
- This American Life
- Radiolab
- Revisionist History
- Serial
- More Perfect
- Timothy Keller
- Ideas (CBC)
- Under the Influence (CBC)
- Other People's Problems (CBC)
- Reply All
- Startup

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

- I ate tarantulas in Cambodia and actually enjoyed it.
- Lived in Hong Kong for two years.

Teach, Learn, Share

- Impeccable knowledge of Vancouver, BC, and Canadian history and culture.
- If I cook for you, when spice is requested, I will likely use 2-3x your chili dosages. You've been warned

What I Can Share with Hosts

- Locals tips on exploring the Pacific Northwest.
- Half decent cooking skills.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cambodia, China, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Macao, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong