I strike a delicate balance between "professional couch potato" and "outdoor enthusiast." My Saturday mornings usually involve a deep-seated commitment to my bed after watching too much Youtube or doomscrolling Instagram the previous night, but once I untangle myself from the bed, you will likely find me at a local street festival, on a hiking trail, or hitting the gym or the pool. I find zen in the meticulous strokes of traditional Chinese and western calligraphy—it’s my way to meditate and my creative outlet. Friends describe me either as a great listener and someone who is perpetually, perhaps pathologically doing chores, like wiping the kitchen or folding laundry.
Interested in Art
Interested in Board games
Fluent in English
Learning Spanish
Why I'm on Couchsurfing
I’ve always felt that the best way to understand a place isn’t through a guided tour, but from the window of a local bus or on a borrowed bike. I’m on Couchsurfing because I prefer the "real" version of a place—the unassuming neighborhood eateries and the local watering holes where people actually live their lives. As a gay guy, I’m also interested in connecting with the local community to understand the nuances of queer life (but not exclusively) in different cultures. I’m not looking for a concierge; I’m looking for a person to share a witty conversation with, perhaps over some takeout or a home cooked meal. To me, the most rewarding travel moments happen when you stop being a tourist and start seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.
Music, Movies, and Books
Music: Mostly cantopop Movies: Sci-fi, suspense, thriller, comedy, coming-of-age drama. Books: I hardly read books. But if I do, it will most likely be a non-fiction, a book that teaches me something.
One Amazing Thing I've Done
More recently, I left civilization and went on a four-day backcountry trip with my partner, carrying my entire life (tent, food, and pride) on my back for the first time. It was exhausting, dirty, and absolutely incredible to finish.
Teach, Learn, Share
If you have a brush and some ink, I can teach you Chinese calligraphy. I’m a student of the "unseen" quirks of a culture; I’m genuinely fascinated by the small, everyday traditions you only notice when sharing a living space.
What I Can Share With Hosts
I bring a "global hybrid" perspective to the table—literally and figuratively. Born in Hong Kong, raised in South Africa, and having spent my adult life in Canada, I’ve got a foot in three different worlds and a story for every occasion. While I might not be a Master Chef, I am the world’s best sous-chef and dishwasher; I’m happy to help prep a meal and I’ll definitely ensure the kitchen is spotless by the time we’re done.
