CURRENT MISSION

To embrace this wonderful world in which dwell. At present, that consists of my home city, London. Stepping away from here reminds you of just how awesome it is when you return. I met a girl recently who was like a living and breathing version of TimeOut. That is how you should treat London life.

I'd also like to own a palatial apartment in London so I can return the favour and host all those who have been so kind to host me over the years. For now, I just have a floor in a room, in a house. Sorry!

ABOUT ME

Food. Music. Hanging out. Coffee.

OK, so I like to think of myself as a pretty sociable chap who also enjoys his alone time. If you can't get on with yourself, who can you get on with, right? I travelled a bit about five years ago and now, after thinking the itch had gone, it's come back with a vengeance. (NB: the itch is always there, but I'm not planning on going anywhere for the next six months or so.)

I enjoy meeting locals, not running straight to the landmark some tour guide has suggested you get a picture (or "selfie" as seems to be the general rule of thumb these days) next to. If anything, I just want to experience life somewhere other than home occasionally. I don't neccessarily want to do that much different, I'm just keen to know if it feels different. Oh, and I absolutely love food. Thus, my trips are pretty much based around eating whatever I'm not accustomed to eating back home. That, or I just seek out a better version of English grub.

Music is key. My portable speaker is perhaps the most valuable possession in my bag because, without it, my days simply wouldn't be the same. Sharing, learning and discovering new music is, along with the food thing, what really excites me about travelling the world.

I guess I should also point out that I don't drink beer. I know what you're thinking: "An English guy who doesn't drink beer. What's wrong with him?" Fair point. I can only assume I was blessed with my father's beer-repelling palette. Cider is my tipple, although if you're aware of a light, fruity beer that doesn't go down as harsh, I could be swayed. Real manly, that. [ed: as of this latest edit in 2024, I no longer drink alcohol. I know it shouldn't be a thing, but I always wince at the thought of that moment when I disappoint a host who welcomes me with, or simply offers, a tipple upon arrival.)

Lastly, my Mum brought me up well. Nothing to worry about there.

PHILOSOPHY

To stop saying, "What if I'd just done...?"

Regrets are pointless. Look forward, as gut-wrenchingy hard as that may be sometimes.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've only been able to surf so far. Hopefully I can now start to host as many people as I possibly can.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Every experience is new. There's that opening moment when you think, "Am I going to get on with this person?" and then minutes later you're embroiled in a conversation that gives you the answer. I've met friends for life and found myself in situations I never thought I'd be in. Conversely, I've had major downs upturned by a new host who's enthusiasm and differing approach to life submerges you with positivity. Swings and roundabouts, some might say.

Interests

Without passion nobody is interested, so I guess that's one of them. I'm a firm believer in having faith in people; if they let you down then more fool them. People who can write music and lyrics fascinate me, because, even when I try, I've forgotten it after about six seconds.

As for how I spend my time? I reflect a lot. Sometimes it's a good thing, sometimes it's bad. I'm not sure I'm on board with the new digital age and my ill-fated campaign for the survival of VHS ground to a halt before it had even begun, but I'm still open to new ideas (especially as I'm using one of them right now).

Football, boxing and, as already mentioned, food and music are undoubtedly my most-common pastimes. A workout in the gym wouldn't go amiss, either. I'm under no illusions that training as you travel isn't particularly feasible, but the odd excursion of cardiovascular activity can't be sniffed at if you get a chance.

• culture
• dining
• beer
• coffee
• running
• drinking
• politics
• traveling
• magic
• survival
• music
• boxing
• soccer
• tourism

Music, Movies, and Books

"What music are you into?" Impossible to answer in a few sentences. We're all into everything. Apart from screamo metal, of course. That's just not right.

Besides, this is all stuff we can discuss when we meet. At least leave a little to the imagination, otherwise we'll have nothing to talk about.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I did once decide to hop aboard a ridiculously-packed pick-up truck to take an overnight - and extremely bumpy - ride from Ban Lung to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. The train/bus would have been shorter and far more comfortable, but I was in that traveller mode where every penny counts. As it goes, the difference in cost literally was pennies.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'll always wash the dishes. That's a crappy job you won't have to worry about.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Crikey, I'm still trying to figure out what I can offer myself.

First and foremost, a laugh, a giggle and a welcome drop of English wit. Like most people here, I'm happy to delve into a deep and meaningful conversation on life, loves and losses, yet learning about how your supermarkets differ from ours is equally as appealing to me.

I won't lie, politics and the like isn't particularly my forté. However, I do watch Question Time with David Dimbleby. Could be worse.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Laos, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Portugal, Samoa, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, United States, Uruguay, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States