Nice to meet you! Yeah you, stranger, reading through this. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my bio. I'm Benoit, 27, and from Belgium. After traveling and volunteering through Europe when I was 19/20 I pursued a degree in history. Last year I finally graduated with my master's in History.
Over the years I've realized that a stable life is very boring so I ended up doing things that most people would consider either stupid or crazy. I am currently working freelance ("no stable pension plan") and I have not settled on which country I'd like to make my home ("you won't be able to afford a house if you wait too long"). Despite all of those things I'm very much at peace with myself. I enjoy what I'm doing, I'm happy with myself and I have figured out what I want out of this life.
My single most important and defining characteristic would be respect. I think this is the ultimate value to teach someone, especially kids.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I really enjoy having conversations with people and getting to know other cultures and people from different backgrounds. I also think that CS provides a more "real" image of a country.

Interests

• politics
• music
• history
• philosophy
• discussion
• conversation
• talking

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I listen to anything that can be played live. But my big love is for old folk songs and metal/Hard rock.

Movies: Lord of the rings, hands down.

Books: Too many to list here but here are a couple: Guns Germs and Steel, A Brief History of Time, A People's History of the United States, The Selfish Gene, Homo Deus, Man's Search for Meaning ...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Spend 12 years of my life volunteering in a scouting group. No amount of money, time, sweat, and tears weighs up to the joy of seeing a little kid smile.

I've also travelled/volunteered all over Europe when I was 19/20. This changed my perspective about the world (and myself) completely.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: I won't have the pretention to think that I as a 27year old can teach anyone anything but I am a black belt in Judo. I have spent 7 years of my life looking at history books. I've been involved in a scouting group for 16 years and I can recommend some decent Belgian beers. I would also say that I'm a pretty decent active listener so if you're someone who is struggling to be "social" I could probably give you some pointers on that front. And I'm really into understanding and listening to people with different points of view or hearing out different arguments for the same position.

Learn: I'm open to learning whatever really! Local history, recipes, practical skills, life wisdom ..

Share: I can share with you my company! I normally travel alone so I'm really open and sociable if you are as well.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I don't think I have any unique skills I can offer my hosts... The most unique thing would probably be my personality. I think I am a decent conversationalist. I enjoy listening to other people and hearing their stories/arguments.

Countries I’ve Visited

Armenia, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, Germany