CURRENT MISSION

Go back to my Chinese roots, learn my language, enjoy life.

ABOUT ME

Well I'm a 5th year medical student in Quebec city, originally from Montreal. In terms of traveling, I haven't been out of the country that much, but just enough. During summer 2008 I came to China for a medical traineeship, but also to learn mandarin, which is my suppose to be native language (in process of learning). Therefore, I took mandarin classes at the North-East Normal University in Changchun. Great stuff, wish I stayed longer.
For the summer of 2009, I'm in Taichung (Taiwan) for an exchange program with IFMSA (International Federation of Medical Student Associations). This is an awesome opportunity to see a little of Taiwan, grab some school credits and explore the world of Chinese medicine at China Medical University. So far I really enjoy Taiwan, people are super kind and friendly.

So, about me: I'm quite the uncomplicated person (maybe a little too uncomplicated). However, I know what I want, and I will stick to my schedule according to my priorities. Of course, it's also important to remain flexible and I must say I do enjoy those spontaneous decisions (the type: "Oh, let's head for that destination", even if it's totally unplanned). As result I'm a fairly easy-going person. You want to have a laid-back afternoon on the beach? That's great. Go party? Also a good idea. Whatever floats your boat.
As a guest, I try to take as little room as possible. Everyone has a busy schedule, so I really don't ask for much. If you have time to show me around, that's wonderful. Otherwise, I usually just need directions and I'm off to explore! So if you're working that's absolutely not a problem. I find a way to fill up my day.
I'm also a great fan of the outdoors. Camping, walking in the woods, hiking... I love nature and will gladly spend half of my trip exploring. Gives a break from city life. Quebec is great for that.
Apart that I LOVE to eat. Actually, I should say I "live to eat". If there were a "culinary tour" of the world, I would definitely try it. I'm one of those people who would wake up one morning and wonder: "Hmm, what I am going to have for lunch today? Well, haven't tried brazilian food yet, so let's find a good cheap place." So far, the best places I've been in the world are those little cheap untidy restaurants hidden in a corner, or simple skewers on the sidewalk. Cheap but good. Delicious!

PHILOSOPHY

- I live to eat.
- Nothing is free, you gotta earn it.
- Appreciate more, criticize less.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

When I get back home, I intend to host also. Such a great experience.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Amazing. I was reluctant at first, but it so much fun (and it saves you time on getting around the city). Why didn't I learn of this network before?

Interests

Social dancing (Ballroom) and Latin (Salsa, cha-cha). Not the most stylish dancer in the world, but hey, I'm having fun.
Cooking chinese food (although I must admit I tend to eat more than cook).

• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• chinese food
• walking
• partying
• boating
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• camping
• bungee jumping
• rock climbing
• medicine
• beaches
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Music? Latin (salsa, cha-cha), oldies (Beatles, Elvis Presley, etc.) and some good hip-hop.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Does a 70m Bungee jump count?

Guilin: the magical moutains of Guilin. Absolutely breathtaking.

Well, after climbing 3 mountains out of 5 in China (walked halfway for the other 2), I thought it was worth mentioning.

I also took a 42h train in China from a city in Jilin province to Chengdu (Sichuan)........No seat. Not amazing, more like "crazy", but I though it was worth mentioning.

Every day I spend at the hospital I see something amazing, sometimes sad, sometimes a little disgusting, but also amazingly positive thinking from people just waiting to slip away. I learned a lot from those people.

Teach, Learn, Share

Don't know enough chinese to teach, but maybe one day.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, China, France, Taiwan, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, China

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