Hi, I'm Stephen from Ireland. I work in international relations and I live for travel - professionally and personally. I have been privileged enough to have travelled to just over 30 countries in my life so far I have always found that my best experiences travelling have been when I spent time with locals. I seek adventure and to share cultures wherever I go.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have always found that my favourite travel moments have involved or been inspired by my experiences with locals. It allows one to tap into the local culture and community in a way that is not possible as an ordinary tourist. Equally, I have always enjoyed when tourists visit my country and I can help them enjoy their stay. I hope that couchsurfing can provide opportunities for me to enjoy more of these types of experiences.

Interests

• culture
• aviation
• hiking
• camping
• languages
• cuisine
• local history
• foreign banknote and coin collecting

Music, Movies, and Books

Favourite Music - Lewis Capaldi
Favourite TV - Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown; Ted Lasso
Favourite Books - Education of an Idealist, Samantha Power

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In 2022, I was lucky enough to be able to visit 4 continents in one week. I left my home in Ireland (Europe) to go to visit a friend in New York (North America). I was invited to a wedding in Cairo (Africa) which I went to directly afterwards. On the way home from Cairo, I took a 1.5 day stop-off in Ankara (Asia). It was a rollercoaster and whirlwind of a few days, but it gave me memories that I will never forget for the rest of my life.

Also, I am a member of my local aeroclub and I take flying lessons there. It is a great privilege and it has given me some of my happiest memories. Seeing the towns and villages I know so well below me like speckled dots makes me realise how small and connected our world is. We are all neighbours in the global community.

Teach, Learn, Share

I hope I can use couchsurfing to teach learn and share about culture and experiences travelling. Coming from an international relations background, cultural-exchange is very important to me. I am excited to learn from locals about their home, but I am equally happy to share with my host stories from my own home and my travels elsewhere.
I really like learning languages and would love to practice languages with my host too!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love to share travel and cultural experiences. Closely linked to that is a passion for cuisine - I love to share a meal and drinks with my host. I find there is no better way to get to know eachother!

Countries I’ve Visited

Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Mauritania, Montserrat, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Qatar, Russian Federation, Senegal, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, Finland, France, Ireland, Japan