I studied philosophy, then worked as a programmer for a few years. I more recently completed a masters in international relations. My current goal is to convince governments to plan for scary AI scenarios. (But we do not have to talk about these if you host me!)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing gives me a much more immersive travel experience than hostelling or other paid accommodation. I want to meet the people as well as seeing the place :).

On the hosting side, I once had someone stay from South Korea who really liked Harry Potter, and because I was hosting in Oxford, I managed to show her the 'forbidden section' of the Hogwarts library (or at least the place where it was filmed). This was a fun gift to be able to give!

Interests

Music

I play piano and guitar and sing in choirs. My listening is all over the place: classical, jazz, ocean-inspired instrumentals, punkier things ... here's some of what I listen to: https://bandcamp.com/alexchalk.

Other Stuff

I studied philosophy but I don't read so much of it at the moment. I play chess a bit, I walk/run with my dog a lot!

• singing
• music
• guitar
• piano
• philosophy
• programing

Music, Movies, and Books

A very short list of some of my favourite musicians who aren't at the above bandcamp link: Clive Carroll, Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis, Nick Drake, Kurt Rosenwinkel. Elliott Smith, Esbjörn Svensson Trio.

Authors and directors: Leo Tolstoy, André Alexis, Anne Carson, Ann Leckie, Alastair Reynolds, Harold Pinter, Wes Anderson, Sterlin Harjo.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I sang with the choir of St Andrew and St Paul in Montreal for several years. I recently moved to Ottawa, and it's what I miss most.

Teach, Learn, Share

We can talk philosophy and theology (I've studied both), music, software, AI, whatever you like to be honest! My interests are pretty wide-ranging.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Scotland, Spain, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, France, United Kingdom