My name is Gijs. I am a young and free openminded individual who loves to connect with other openminded people from different backgrounds. I'll tell you anything about myself that you want to hear! Sometimes including un-asked-for facts about the soilstructure of the Netherlands and why it's the reason Gouda cheese exists.

I love making music and I'll likely have my ukulele with me to play some Eddie Vedder or Cat Stevens songs for you! Unfortunatly not much singalong songs, but if you have any requests, be sure to send it in advance so I can practice it :)

Also I'm a bouldering enthousiast. I've been climbing for four years now and just sent my first 7a+ last month (climbed a high level)! I love everything about the sport, but the best part is definitly that nature provides entire "bouldering halls" where you only need a crashpad to be out in the forest, just climbing. Wonderful sport, wonderful people. I even started teaching teenagers from last November onwards in Delfts Bleau (my local bouldering gym, check it out, the routes are so good!!!).

In August I will travel with my girlfriend to Sweden to go kayaking and wild camping. We are looking for places to stay on our way there. Since she's not on this site yet, here's a short introduction from Dawn:

Hi! Like my partner Gijs I consider myself an open-minded individual who likes to connect with different kinds of people. My friends would also call me a ball of energy who will always bring the crazy ideas for spontaneous activities. Next to that I like to take care of the people, plants and pets (mostly my cat Cindy) around me. I like to cook healthy, do yoga and most of all dance, dance, dance. I am able to dance in around 15 different dance styles: I teach Hip-Hop and High Heels, I regularly join a salsa party and am trying to improve my Tango skills. Always up to teach people a move or two!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

When I travel I'd love meet the locals and share stories, songs and good meals together. Every new host or traveler is a new opportunity to learn and explore the vast beauties of this big wild world. There's a lot cultures that really resonate with me and I feel like that going to a museum doesn't even come close to getting to know the culture compared to actually getting acquinted with locals.

Interests

• singing
• traveling
• bouldering
• live music
• karaoke
• ukulele
• kizomba
• whiskey
• vinyl
• climbing
• salsa
• discovering
• records
• banjo
• ecstatic dance
• craft beers
• tattoo's
• stroopwafels
• cassette
• enm
• mathemetics
• huggy wuggies

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC - In terms of music I really listen to anything. I'm a singer in a rock cover band and love Pearl Jam and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Other then that I'm going to BOOM festival in portugal this July, which I'm really looking forward to!

Btw did you know you can dance Salsa on Drum 'n Bass music and Kizomba on Techno? :)

MOVIES - A lot of movies come to mind. I mostly like brainpaining movies about which I can watch fantheories on youtube afterwards.

BOOKS - I don't really read a lot, but I remember 'Erik of het Klein Insectenboek' to be one of my favorites! It's also been adapted to a theater play.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Started an acoustic singing/guitar duo with my best friend. We've performed twice as a duo an we are now in a rock cover band together with some other friends :)

Also I have a 207 day Duolingo streak in Swedish!

Teach, Learn, Share

I know how to play ukelele, banjo and saxophone, so I could teach you some of that. I sing quite a lot too. And I know many things about many topics so who knows what I could teach you? Also we can learn some more salsa dancing together. :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

I've got a pretty well received gluten and lactose free orange cake recipe. I'd love to share that :)

Countries I’ve Visited

England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

Netherlands