Hi all! My name is Tomas van der Heijden, I'm a 24-year-old student and (photo) journalist from the beautiful city of Utrecht, the Netherlands, currently living in a smaller town called Wageningen. I love people, animals and nature, but am always down for exploring cities. I'm easygoing and active and like being outdoors, whether it involves hiking, mountain biking, camping, or just enjoying the scenery and good company. I'm working in a little outdoor store, so I can always advise you for your next big trip.

Besides that I'm very interested in agriculture, economy and politics. I'm pursuing masters degree in sustainable agriculture and land / nature management and conservation.

At the moment I'm not able to host people, but if you'd like to meet up for a tour around Utrecht or for tips about the city, you're always welcome to contact me.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'd love to meet new people and learn about your culture and your passions and share our differences. As for most people here on Couchsurfing, I believe that the best way to get to know a culture and a place is through locals' knowledge. Please keep me out of the sterile hotel room...

Interests

As you probably read in the 'about me', I have a lot of interests. To keep it a bit shorter I compiled a list:
- Writing
- Photography
- Reading
- Bouldering
- Calisthenics
- Learning new languages
- Meeting new people
- Nature
- Exploring cities
- Having drinks with people I like
- Hiking
- Ecology and geography
- Politics, and discussing about it
- Studying the motives of migration
- Music and movies
- Comedy
- Laughing, about silly and serious things

• animals
• arts
• writing
• photography
• drinking
• politics
• movies
• traveling
• music
• classical music
• country music
• blues
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• ecology
• geography
• journalism
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

All dependent on how I feel. However, in general, I mostly listen to soul, seventies rock, blues and jazz. My all-time favorite band is Pink Floyd. I'm always up for getting to know new music.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Traveling to the Greek island of Lesbos to report about the refugee crisis. Since then, people who flee to seek refuge elsewhere have been a subject I often talk, write, and think about. It has changed my view on what it means to leave a life behind, and on how privileged I am to live in a safe country with a functioning democracy.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach the principles of photography and the efficient use of a digital camera, so you won't be smashing the wrong buttons.
I want to learn to play the guitar. Right now I'm practicing it very irregularly. Any tips would be appreciated, or you can just laugh at me strumming the same 3 chords over and over again.
I want to share witty and serious conversations and a beer if I'm holding one.

Countries I’ve Visited

Armenia, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Serbia, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Netherlands