CURRENT MISSION

do justice to my itchy feet

ABOUT ME

Ever since I was a wee lad, I had a dream: to cycle around the world for at least three or four years. Not just to see the sights and sounds of different cultures, but also to find myself and become a badass adventurer. I blame Japan for this. Back in 2008, I visited the land of the rising sun and got infected with the travel bug. It never left me, no matter how hard I tried to scratch it. For the past 18 years or so, I’ve been working as a carer for people with learning disabilities. I’ve lived and worked in various alternative communities that are nothing like the mainstream care system. I’ve seen it all: the good, the bad, and the ugly. During the COVID years, when everyone was clapping for the “essential workers”, I was one of them. I worked in a small care home in the Southeast of Britain, looking after elderly ladies with learning disabilities. They were lovely, but the job was also quite demanding. I realized that I’ve been doing this for way too long, and I deserve a break. A long break. A very long break. So I decided to pack my bags and hop on my bike. I want to explore the world and see what it has to offer. Maybe I’ll find love, maybe I’ll find danger, maybe I’ll find myself. Who knows? All I know is that this is my trip of a lifetime, and I’m not going to miss it.

Visit my website: https://the-art-of-travel.co.uk/
my FB page: www.facebook.com/lokodi.zsolt/

PHILOSOPHY

My philosophy centers around advocating for freedom of choice and freedom of will. I believe in the power of exposing oneself to different perspectives and experiences by exploring all sorts of travel books, such as those written by Bryson, Danziger, and anything related to cycle touring, adventure travel, and mountaineering. I am also drawn to visual art and enjoy browsing through the photos of talented artists like McCurry, Art Wolfe, and Matthieu Paley. In addition, I find immense value in reading Zen philosophy and taking the time to appreciate music. One of the most important components of my philosophy is building meaningful connections with people, regardless of their background or culture. This involves actively listening and making an effort to communicate with others in their own language while respecting the diversity of all cultures. Overall, this list of values I hold dear is only scratched the surface of the many different components that make up my unique outlook on life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a great platform and opportunity for me to connect with people who share my passion for travel and adventure. I have a big plan to cycle around the world starting from June 2023 and lasting for several years. Along the way, I would depend on Couchsurfing and the generous hosts who are willing to offer their homes, sofas, or couches for a night or two to a tired traveler. This would be an incredible chance for me to make new friends as I cross different countries, discover new cultures, and learn new languages and customs. I sincerely hope that I will find many people who will open their doors and hearts to me. I would be happy to reciprocate their kindness with my stories from the road and my gratitude.

Interests

Travel, photography, reading, cultures, google maps

• arts
• culture
• books
• photography
• reading
• traveling
• blogging
• music
• rock climbing
• cartography
• teaching
• volunteering
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

I love movies and books, especially about travel and adventure
I listen to a wide range of music genres and artists, from Brazilian bossa nova and funk to Iron Maiden and Stromae
I have too many favorites to list them all, but some examples are Cat Stevens, Ennio Morricone, Nina Simone, David Bowie, Wardruna, and Metronomy

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I am an adventurous traveler who loves to explore new places and challenge myself. Some of my most memorable experiences include doing the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal four times, climbing Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, by myself in Morocco, cycling across the UK three times, traveling to Kyrgyzstan by randomly choosing it on the map with my eyes closed, doing multiple Interrail trips in Europe and Japan rail trips in Asia, and climbing in the Scottish Highlands and on the Isle of Skye.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I’m not a boring person, I promise. I have a lot of stories to tell, and I’m always up for a good chat. I’m also a great listener, so you can vent to me about anything. I’m not shy, but I’m not a show-off either. I don’t need to be the star of the party, but I don’t want to be a wallflower either. I enjoy hanging out with people and getting to know them better, making new friends and connections. I’m always curious about other people’s lives and cultures, and I’m open to learning new things. I’m a social butterfly, but not a social parasite.

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Cambodia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Laos, Luxembourg, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Hungary, Romania, United Kingdom