Early 2015 I gave up my life as a freelance journalist and copywriter in Amsterdam and left to travel the world. During this trip, I want to write my novel, sleep under the stars, meet interesting people, get to know myself better, learn languages and customs of many peoples and taste their food too, while I'm at it.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Hosting and being hosted are great ways to meet new people. The absence of financial transactions puts full focus on making contact, interacting and exchanging stories - which is just what I like most in traveling.

Interests

Literature, languages, culture and cultural differences, philosophy, good food, good jokes and the good life in general. Cycling, surfing, rock climbing. Playing the guitar, although I'm not very good at it. Traveling. Alternative ways of living, for instance outside the money economy.

• culture
• books
• literature
• dining
• cooking
• traveling
• guitar
• cycling
• surfing
• rock climbing
• freelancing
• journalism
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: anything that's well written, intelligent and opening new perspectives. In Dutch, English, French and German.
Music: Everything someone has put heart and soul into.
Films: Much to my regret, I do not watch nearly enough films. Example: I never saw The Godfather. Still, I have huge favourites, like La Grande Bellezza by Paolo Sorrentino, Melancholia by Lars von Trier, much of the Coen brothers' work, and a host of European arthouse directors. Anything that is witty, intelligent, philosophical and has beautiful cinematography.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Couchsurfing in Cairo just after the first revolution: the incredible energy and hope for a better future where palpable among the people.

Cycling from Amsterdam to Paris on my own. Usually, it takes me 3h20 by high speed train to cover the distance. At a human pace, it took me 9 days, in which I learned to really see the world (and really feel my legs hurt, too).

Teach, Learn, Share

There are miracles happening around us all the time. We often just don't look close enough to see them.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I like conversations that take all night and aim at solving the Mystery Of The World, and then miss that mark gloriously and elegantly. Also, I'm curious and interested in your stories. I am a fairly good cook and will be most happy to reward you with a good meal (and clean up afterwards). As a guest, I am self supporting and easy going. No need to look after me or entertain me.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belgium, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Brazil, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Myanmar, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Germany, Netherlands

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