Hello, Bonjour, Hola , 안녕하새요, 你好！My name is Jon. I am an English teacher from Seattle Washington. Born in France, raised in America. I have a passion for learning language. Traveling has opened me up to not only meeting new people, but also learning about new cultures and lifestyles. Everyday I wake up knowing I will learn something new. Living in a foreign country has been the greatest, most rewarding experience. I wouldn't trade the experiences and memories for the world. This is my third year in Asia teaching English, and I must say "I love every second". I currently teach English in Zhangjiagang 张家港 China, two hours West of Shanghai 上海. Spent my first year teaching in Ulsan 울산 Korea about an hour north of Busan부산, a place, country I often refer to as a home outside of home. Every penny I make gets spent one of two ways, food or traveling, and sometimes both go hand in hand.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Why??? The same reason most of you are here, to meet new people :) I want to hear your story. Share experiences, explore the outdoors, plan a trip together oor simple lay back and talk about what is next in line.

Interests

I love to try new things, local foods, anything. There is a first time for everything. If it's outdoors related, I am all thumbs up. Camping, biking, hiking, you name it. I have a passion for music and the outdoors, but not limited to those alone. I like to challenge what some say can't be done, not a big fan of the word 'can't' or 'impossible' . I've only jumped out of a plane once but I'd gladly do it again, if you pay :p Love the thrill and adrenaline of trying something new and pushing my body to its limits. Love the adventure and uncertainty of traveling to a new country, city in which I don't speak the local tongue. I am interested in what you have to show me, recommendations of local foods and places to go :)

• dining
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

At the moment I am into Sigur Ros. It honestly depends on my mood. If you throw me into a Karoke room aka 노래방 or KTV, I'm likely to want to sing some Korean favorites like 보고십다 and 말리꽃, can't promise you'll be impressed. Duets I'll lean towards 因为爱情 and My Heart Will go on . At work or traveling , a mix of sad missing Home Michael Buble, songs of lost love When I was your Man Bruno Mars to searching for love Lost Stars, classics Angels Robbie Williams to a bit of education with Jackson 5 ABC, the upbeat Jason Mraz will do it but lets not forget a travelers story Desperado by the Eagles in the search for… well … just being Happy Pharrel Williams. :)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

haha, lets not just leave it to one now. That you can ask me in person. All I got to say is, it is just the beginning! Planning a bike trip from Deadhorse Alaska to Ushuaia Argentina May 2016. Would love to hear what you have to say about adventure, travel, poverty, your own city or any other thoughts, by sharing your story and telling me about what happiness means to you :)

Teach, Learn, Share

1+0= 1 but 1+1 = teamwork :p
the sharing and spreading of ideas is what makes the world go round

What I Can Share with Hosts

Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/jon.poelman
Blogs
http://welltunedguitars.wix.com/sharing-the-horizon
http://sharingthehorizon.blogspot.com
Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzJqsQ3eLEvZlYCP7K7vjRQ
Email
Welltunedguitars@gmail.com
Kakao
Wechat

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Japan, Nepal, South Korea

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Japan, South Korea, United States