"Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine."
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Hello! I am Vivek, I am a grad student at IIT Chicago, pursuing masters degree in Computer Science. I just started working in Lille as a software engineer trainee.

This is my first visit to Europe and I plan to visit as many places as I can and meet people from different cultures along the road.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Well, I am writing this before having the first experience of couchsurfing. - I recently came to know about this, and the idea seems to be quite amazing. I hope CS will give me a chance to meet some interesting people, share their experiences, learn about different cultures! What better than experiencing a new place with the eyes of local!
And I am not unable to host till I am in Europe, but I definitely plan to do it back in Chicago or India!

UPDATE: I began the couchsurfing experience with a trip to Amsterdam, and oh man, enjoyed every moment of it! The host was a cool person, and the advise to bike through the villages was awesome! Plan to make more such trips in the coming months!

Interests

Traveling - I always try to explore new places whenever I get a chance. I have visited quite a few places in India. My solo trip to Ajantha-Elora Caves and the visit to Shanghai are among the best so far.

Cooking - This is my new found interest; I recently started cooking (for survival at first! :p) and I am loving it! UPDATE: I am quite good now after two months! ;)

• writing
• cooking
• traveling
• socializing
• survival
• cycling
• hinduism
• computer science
• engineering
• mathematics
• science
• software

Music, Movies, and Books

Music - There is no specific genre of music I listen to, so it makes me kind of polyglot listener. Indian Sufi and Classic would be on my playlist most of the time!

Movies - I don't think there is enough space to write about movies :P, but I really loved the before - sunrise, sunset, midnight series.

Books - I have mostly read regional (Gujarati) books so far. Some of my favorites: Jonathan Livingston Seagull, The Andromeda Strain, A Thousand Splendid Suns, The Kite Runner, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.!
In my bag now : Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, The scion of Ikshwaku, The Fountain Head. (Yes, I keep more than one at a time!)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I think the most amazing thing I've done was teaching Math to the senior high-school students when I was studying the same! It was entirely different experience and I really enjoyed it!
Latest : The bike trip from Amsterdam to Marken via Durgerdam - a wow trip along the coast!

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach and share basic indian cuisine. I am always eager on learning about different cultures, traditions and way of living.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I have always been amused by the the Hindu mythology, specially the Mahabharata. Though I don't know much since there's a lot to know, I may have a few stories to share!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, China, France, India, Netherlands, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, India, United States