Hello to all! My name is Tom and I’m from New Zealand. I have been traveling between N.Z and Europe for the last 5 years living and working in different countries as a carpenter. I have been living in Berlin, Germany for the last 18months and now I am on my way back to NZ for summer via Sri Lanka for 6 weeks. About 2 years ago I discovered the volunteering website Workaway.info and I’ve been actively engaging in a variety of volunteering exchanges whilst traveling in foreign countries ever since. It is a beautiful way to ground yourself in a place for awhile to allow for an organic experience. Couchsurfing is also another wonderful way to engage with local people and to experience authenticity in its purest form. I am a huge people person, I am fascinated by how others live life in other parts of the world and I love to spend time discussing such things. I also love food and I love to cook! Food is such an essential basis for our existence and something I respect and value a lot. I love the outdoors and I like to head out to nature as often as possible to just be. I practice Vipassana meditation 🧘🏽‍♂️ and occasionally yoga. Overall, I’m an very easy going individual that is engaging and interested in all the beautiful things there is to see and do in the world. 🏼

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I think when people ask me what my favourite aspect of travelling is I will always answer, "meeting new people." Couch Surfing is the best way to meet local people that can show you the true nature of where you're visiting. Not to mention the meeting of two strangers from different parts of the world, coming together and sharing knowledge and forming new friendships! What an amazing concept!

Interests

• arts
• books
• architecture
• design
• street art
• photography
• festivals
• cooking
• coffee
• yoga
• meditation
• traveling
• music
• live music
• cycling
• food
• nature walks
• carpentry

Music, Movies, and Books

Music is a huge part of my life. You won’t catch me doing too much without the sound of music! Both of my parents are huge musics heads and I grew up listening to broad range of music my entire life. I listen to virtually everything depending on the mood and setting but when chilling out, you might hear some down tempo electronic or maybe a traditional Indian Raga. I’m a fan of 90s hip hop and orchestral symphony, 1950s jazz and blues from Southern USA. Let’s exchange our knowledge!! There’s so much out there to be heard!

Mmm... I’m not such a movie person to be honest but I love a good informative and provocative documentary.

Books... oosh. That’s a big question and I’m not too sure where to start. I love to read and I will always have a copy of something nearby. I read a lot of nonfiction now that I think about it. History, psychology of the mind, philosophy, architecture, photography, travel journals, music history etc... this kind of thing.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I road a motorbike 2000 kilometers through Vietnam from Ho Chi Min City to Hanoi.

Teach, Learn, Share

I grew up with a natural talent for creating, making and fixing things with my hands. If you want to learn how to build something new or need something fixed! I'm your man! A broken chair, a door that doesn't open or close properly, you have a problem with your bicycle, you need some shelves put up in your lounge or a new lock on your front door... Just let me know!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories, culture, knowledge, good conversation! I will do and share anything that I have to offer! I will do my best to help out with anything that needs doing.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, Fiji, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Germany, New Zealand, United Kingdom