My name is James, I'm a 31 year old self confessed travel addict. Before my current trip, (around the middle east & hopefully central Asia) I was living and working in the United Kingdom. My line of work mainly revolves around electrical engineering and renewable energies. It's challenging & satisfying, although I try my hardest to take as much holiday as possible in order to plan new adventures.
I like to think of myself as a guy who's open to new things, a bit of a yes man. I'm happy to be part of a decadent night out living the good life in the city, but equally at home sat around playing cards and playing music, putting the world to rights. Open mindedness and a good sense of humour will, I like to think become apparent when you meet me for the first time.
Above all I'm very honest and trustworthy. I'm sure many people have reservations about letting people stay in their homes, the same can be said for myself hosting, but I'm a genuine guy and like to give people the benefit of the doubt, innocent until proven guilty if you will.
We may meet as strangers but I'm really hoping we leave as friends.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm not on CouchSurfing to freeload at every stop I make. I value the interaction with local people in every place I visit. I've travelled enough now to know the best information about new places comes from the locals themselves. Whether it's a cool restaurant, an underground music venue, an exhibition at a gallery or just a unique, off the radar experience, the best way of getting the low down is with the people who live in the place.

I'm keen to also share my experiences and interests with people I meet. It's how we learn and ultimately better ourselves. Whatever it is, I'm open to most things, and I'd like to think this would become apparent once you meet me.

Interests

My primary interests are based around being outdoors. I was lucky enough to grow up in the heart of the British countryside and my passion for everything natural burns as strong as ever. Angling in any form has and will continue to be driving force in my life. From the chalk streams of southern England, to the wild lochs of Ireland. The glacial rivers of Northern India to intimate lakes in southern France, being next to water holds an allure for me. I've recently started climbing which is fantastic, I'm getting there slowly, it's such a challenge, but the smallest improvements bring a smile to my face.

I play guitar, currently dragging my beloved Yamaha on an arduous journey through the middle east. Travelling is also a large part of my life. Learning should never be restricted to a classroom & the experiences I've had since I first threw a few possessions into a rucksack and decided to go in search of something new & exciting are some of my most treasured.

• drinking
• traveling
• music
• guitar
• outdoor activities
• rock climbing
• engineering
• lakes
• rivers

Music, Movies, and Books

Musically my taste varies so much I find it difficult to narrow it down to particular genre. Everything from electronic, tech & trAnce, through to Arabic classical, jazz, funk & lots of classic rock. The only music I consistently dislike is fabricated pop music written with no soul, purely to make money. For me music should take the listener on a journey. It should mean something, possibly change the listeners mood.

I don't watch a great deal of television, I'm possibly one of the least knowledgeable individuals when it comes to movies but I'm happy to grab a drink, put my feet up & watch something.

Although I don't get the time I'd like to read, I try my best. My top 5 books are.

Novcento pianist, (Allesandro Barrico)
3 cups of tea, (Greg Mortenson)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

It's so difficult to single one thing from the collection of amazing experiences I've had, but working every hour I could, scraping every penny I had together, booking a flight and getting of my ass to see what this amazing world has to offer is amongst the best.

Teach, Learn, Share

Music
Making British tea
How to moan about the weather, (British pastime)
Experience with small construction projects
Being a bloody good drinking buddy.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A good sense of humour and several cringeworthy travel experiences.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, Laos, Malaysia, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Palestine, Rwanda, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, United States, Viet Nam, Wales