ABOUT ME

I try to be an open-minded and tolerant person, which is easy enough to say, but not always that easy to live up to. I'm a curious person, and I don't easily judge people, so that helps I think. I'm always eager for new experiences in life, although I'm starting to realize that it can be good to slow down a bit once in a while. Many people see me as an extravert and easy-going person, because I easily start talking to new people, but I can enjoy my little private, solitary moments just as much. My girlfriend thinks I'm handsome :) Also, I don't panic easily, not even when there are spiders in the house :)

PHILOSOPHY

Three ways to live a good life:
- Live like it's your last day on earth
- Love like you've never been hurt
- Dance like no one's watching

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've slept on the couch of some really nice people during my travels, and I'd very much like to continue doing so.
Also, now that I've finally got a decent house, I can host quite a bit more easily as well.

Interests

I'm an English teacher, so I spend a good chunk of my time teaching, which is pretty rewarding. I love traveling, visiting new places and getting to know different ways of living is a great way to reflect on your own life. Music is very important for my mood, I'm a big fan of jazz, (gypsy) swing and pretty much anything that rocks :) I like spending time with my girlfriend Vicky, because it's always nice to be able to share those moments that make your life worth living. Other things I enjoy are playing frisbee, dancing lindy hop, sitting in outdoor cafes with friends or a good book on sunny afternoons and sweating like a pig in saunas in winter.

• books
• dancing
• gardening
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: American History X, The Godfather, Dogville & The Big Lebowski are among my favourites. I'm a big fan of Hiyao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli too. And of Pixar when they're not making sequels :-)

Music: Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Bright Eyes, Tom Waits, Nick Cave, The National, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, J.J. Cale, Kitty Daisy & Lewis, Jacques Brel, Django, Elvis ... you name it!
I'm also into jazz and swing music of the 20s, 30s & 50s.

Books: Crime and Punishment & The Picture of Dorian Gray remain all time favourites. Anything written by David Mitchell is gold. Currently reading "Making History" by Stephen Fry, and thoroughly enjoying it.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The birth of a butterfly in the butterfly garden of Mindo, Ecuador.
Finally reaching the summit of Mt. Emei in China after 3 days of steps, steps, followed by some more steps.
Top view over the Grand Canyon from a solitary rock.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, China, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium

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