Bruxelas

MISSION: Exploring the world...sharing experiences...creating open minds...)'( PASSIONS: There are three things about which I am most passionate... Teaching: I have taught in universities, professional conferences, and small villages in third world countries to both adults and to children (mainly math, science, and technology). My belief is that a person really never knows a topic in depth until he or she has taught it. Students will challenge the teacher to think differently about a subject when it is taught well. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the "light go on" when a student comprehends an important concept. Music: I believe that music is a means of communication that transcends all cultural barriers. Music can communicate joy, sorrow, stories of courage, political messages, and just about everything that one can express with feelings of passion. My mother was a professional musician (classical cellist) and I was a DJ for 15+ years in my days of being a student (which lasted a very long time...). My musical tastes are as diverse as they are obscure. I listen to music of all kinds and from all nationalities. Live music performances are even better! Travel: One must explore to experience this world. I love nature and the outdoors. I am passionate about art of all kinds (music, painting, sculpture, architecture) and am constantly seeking out the diversity of its many forms that exist on our globe. People, culture, food, history, and architecture are all part and parcel to a fulfilling travel experience. Would you like to be happy...I would recommend to buy less stuff and travel more! PHILOSOPHY: Part I: * I am more interested in what I can create than in what I can consume. * I am more interested in what I can share than in what I can own. * I am more interested in living my own life rather than viewing others on television or the big screen. * I think for myself and choose my own heroes. Part II: The Seven Deadly Sins: 1. Wealth without work 2. Pleasure without conscience 3. Knowledge without character 4. Commerce without morality 5. Science without humanity 6. Worship without sacrifice 7. Politics without principle Mahatma Gandhi October 22, 1925 The Eighth Deadly Sin: 8. Rights without responsibility Arun Gandhi September 16, 2013 Part III: "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." -Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad/Roughing It Part IV: "Your heart is free. Have the courage to follow it." -Malcolm Wallace Part V: “Travel is never a matter of money, but of courage." – Paulo Coelho Part VI: Age is more of a frame of mind than it is a count of years. I am convinced that I am much "younger" than most people that have fewer than half my number of years. Keep curious and keep learning to stay young. I very often host and surf with people having many fewer years than I because it keeps me young! "Age shouldn't affect you. It's just like the size of your shoes - they don't determine how you live your life! You're either marvelous or you're boring, regardless of your age." - Morrissey Part VII: "Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean Part VIII: Respect All: humans, animals, ecology, religions, races, ethnicities, sexual preferences, ... you get the idea. Part IX: My philosophy regarding travel is very much aligned to the ethos of Burning Man and its 10 principles. I always try to apply these principles in the context of couch surfing: 1. RADICAL INCLUSION: Anyone may be a part of our global community. We welcome and respect the stranger. No prerequisites exist for participation in our community. 2. GIFTING: Our global community is devoted to acts of gift giving. The value of a gift is unconditional. Gifting does not contemplate a return or an exchange for something of equal value. 3. DECOMMODIFICATION: In order to preserve the spirit of gifting, our community seeks to create social environments that are unmediated by financial transactions. We stand ready to protect our culture from such exploitation. We resist the substitution of consumption for participatory experience. 4. RADICAL SELF-RELIANCE: Travel encourages the individual to discover, exercise, and rely on his or her inner resources. 5. RADICAL SELF-EXPRESSION: Amazing experiences arise from the unique gifts of the individual. No one other than the individual or a collaborating group can determine its content. It is offered as a gift to others. In this spirit, the giver should respect the rights and liberties of the recipient. 6. COMMUNAL EFFORT: Our community values creative cooperation and collaboration. We strive to produce, promote and protect social networks, public spaces, works of art, and methods of communication that support such interaction. 7. CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY: Our community values civil society. Community members who organize events should assume responsibility for public welfare and endeavor to communicate civic responsibilities to participants. They must also assume responsibility for conducting events in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. 8. LEAVING NO TRACE: Our community respects the environment. We are committed to leaving no physical trace of our activities wherever we gather. We clean up after ourselves and endeavor, whenever possible, to leave such places in a better state than when we found them. 9. PARTICIPATION: Our community is committed to a radically participatory ethic. We believe that transformative change, whether in the individual or in society, can occur only through the medium of deeply personal participation. We achieve being through doing. Everyone is invited to work. Everyone is invited to play. We make the world real through actions that open the heart. 10. IMMEDIACY: The concept of immediate experience is, in many ways, the most important touchstone of value in our culture. We seek to overcome barriers that stand between us and a recognition of our inner selves, the reality of those around us, participation in society, and contact with a natural world exceeding human powers. No idea can substitute for this experience.

CURRENT MISSION NOT AVAILABLE ANYMORE TILL OCTOBER 20, SO PLEASE, NO REQUESTS!! MOSTLY AVAILABLE END OF OCTOBER AND PART OF NOVEMBER (though not always). I can probably host from 23/10 till 20/11/2026. Knowing people, learning languages, traveling around. Running another full marathon at the end of January 2026... (done on the 31st of January). ABOUT ME Well, I was born in Congo, but spent all my life in Brussels. I am perfectly bilingual (Dutch, French). I've travelled a lot (not very adventurously though), but for personal reasons have not been able to travel until 2015. Now I'm catching up and started travelling again and often on the road. I am a little introvert, but I like to meet new people. PHILOSOPHY I just try to be myself. GOOD TO KNOW SHOW ME THAT YOU READ MY PROFILE! Before sending me a – personalized – request, please read my profile (check 'Read more' on the app or ‘My Home’ on the website, especially the section "GOOD TO KNOW"). If you show you did, it will make a big difference... As things stand right now, I will be home most of the time in August and September. Except for a few blocked days (especially on weekends - but I cannot block them anymore in this new app), you can easily send me a (personalized) request (better not more than three weeks in advance) or contact me until then. As I retired recently, I don't mind to host during weekdays. Please don't send your request more than three weeks in advance: I will decline it by default as I cannot tell what I will be doing a month or more in advance. I prefer not to accept friend requests from persons I never had any contact with.

*** NOT AVAILABLE FOR HOSTING *** CURRENT MISSION To find my place in the big wide world. ABOUT ME I'm an energetic person excited to experience as much as I can from others and the world. I am passionate about wildlife, photography, and of course, traveling! I recently finished my Erasmus Mundus master’s program and seeking employment. I am not a local in Mechelen/Belgium. PHILOSOPHY Live for the moment in the moment for it may be the one and only chance you will ever get. Choose the life you want to love.

Hi! I’m Mathieu. I’m a lover of nature, mountains, and wide-open spaces. As a mountain guide, I love sharing my passion for hiking, wildlife, plants, and the ever-changing landscapes. I regularly organize mountain trips and outdoor adventures, always with a friendly, simple, and down-to-earth spirit. Sporty at heart, I like to push myself without taking things too seriously — hiking, trail running, cycling, or orienteering, any excuse is good to move and enjoy nature. The mountains are my place of balance and freedom — where I can slow down, breathe, and feel alive. I’m en elementary school teacher in special education, a job I love for its human richness. The children I work with teach me patience, creativity, and kindness every day. They constantly remind me that we also grow by helping others grow. I live alone part of the time, and the other half with my 11-year-old daughter, with whom I share many simple moments — walks, cooking, laughter, and discovery. She constantly reminds me how important it is to enjoy the present moment. I’m someone who listens deeply to the world, sensitive to what it whispers. I like to observe, feel, and give space to what goes beyond words — a bit like a quiet listener of the universe. When I travel, I look for authenticity. I love getting off the beaten path, avoiding overly touristy places, and meeting people, their cultures, and their daily lives. It’s often the unexpected encounters and little detours that make the best memories. I also love music and dancing — sharing a moment at a concert or just letting the rhythm carry the evening away. I’m curious about everything: nature, local food, traditions, and good conversations around a meal or a drink. I appreciate people who are simple, open-minded, and respectful. When I host, I like my guests to feel truly at home, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. A few words to describe me: mountains, nature, sports, authenticity, listening, sharing, music, laughter, curiosity, and respect.

Wellness-focused traveler who loves yoga, healthy eating, and mindful living. Always happy to share my favorite peaceful spots!

Outgoing explorer passionate about capturing moments through my camera lens. Coffee shops and meaningful connections are my favorite discoveries!

Foodie and culture buff always on the hunt for the next great experience. I love sharing my discoveries with fellow travelers!

Curious wanderer passionate about arts, music, and meaningful dialogue. Ready to connect and help you uncover incredible experiences!