Hello! Thomas here! I’m a Hong Kong native and serial backpacker, having been hopping across cities for most of last summer from my base in London, and more recently up and down the countries of Vietnam and Japan. It has truly been a privilege to be greeted with hospitality in so many of the places I’ve visited; and as much as it is sad to part ways with new friends, that is a testament to the good times we shared.

I love waking up to a new place and the sensation of adventure, so I travel on night busses a lot; and lately, to the chagrin of my wallet, night trains too. There is nothing quite like racing across vast fields with the sun slowly rising beyond the window. It is simply serene. Never thought that word would apply to highways but there I said it! Highly recommended!

Beyond that I quite enjoy exploring cities on foot for the perspective and spontaneous encounters that taking a bus to an attraction would not afford, whether that be strolling through a local market or spending the afternoon admiring the streets in a cafe. I often find myself more fulfilled with an incomplete checklist, if I even bothered with one.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I crashed a CS meet and it was good vibes all the way! It seemed so obvious to me after the fact that this would be a good place to meet locals and travellers alike, and I’d say I’ve got no regrets so far!

Interests

I’ve gotten into many hobbies but rarely very far. At the moment I’m fairly passionate about drawing cute things, as well as a somewhat regular hiker and runner.

And food. Massively. I would take a thousand mile detour for my favourite cake. I will make it known that your city is THE place to be if you find me any dish that I can fall in love with.

• hiking

Music, Movies, and Books

Mostly pop from the 2010s and musicals. Song and dance is life’s bread and butter!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Waking up at the exact time to the minute when my flight is scheduled for departure (and missing it subsequently) - and still managing to catch my connection on the same day

Teach, Learn, Share

I’ve done a fair amount of International Relations, International Law, and Psychology, but that is probably secondary to my knowledge of air accidents - probably not too healthy considering how much I fly

What I Can Share with Hosts

I could brew a mean cup of Hong Kong Milk Tea with the right ingredients, which fulfils both your caloric and caffeine needs in one small cup. Otherwise I’ve also got a good bit of Asian culture in my back pocket and tales from much of the Eurasian continent!

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, England, Estonia, Fiji, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Viet Nam, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Hong Kong, United Kingdom