Hello world =)

I'm Charles from Canada. The last five years I've been living in China working, studying and traveling Asia. Once I finished my Bachelor's in Economics in Vancouver in 09 and I came over to China teach English at a University in Shanghai and soon I knew that I wanted to live here in the longer term. I am fairly extroverted and willing to talk about anything.

Traveling to me is a must, and I always try to evangelize this to my friends who are a bit averse to it. I really feel that it is a necessity to really go and see how other people live, as this will make you a more understanding and empathetic person, I believe this as fact.

I am quite into food, love to eat at local places wherever I'm traveling. Loved Vietnamese sandwiches on the side of the road and all the various curries of Thailand, can't forget mango sticky rice! All kinds of foods in China, jianbing to cow stomach with noodles.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet fun, new people! Staying at a hotel is a big no-no, a hostel can be quite good, but doing couch surfing adds another layer of authenticity to the whole travel concept.

Interests

When I go to a new area, I always find out where the market is. Going there really connects me to the society and gives me a taste. I avoid the hotel areas and try focus on the real deal of the area.

I also love to go the supermarket/market and buy local quick foods and have lunch at the park nearby. This to me is one of the ultimate ways of getting into the flow of life in a new city.

• dining
• cooking
• technology
• reading
• traveling
• cycling
• rock climbing
• economics
• mountains
• current affairs

Music, Movies, and Books

Rock: Tame Impala, Cut Copy, Arctic Monkeys, Mumford and Sons, Young the Giant, Foster the People

Hip Hop: old school and some between 1999 and 2009

EDM: Deadmau5, Ministry of Sound, 90s techno.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Climbed to the top of Hua Shan (one of China's most dangerous and highest mountains) and slept on the highest peak.

Teach, Learn, Share

Travel insights since I've been to quite a few countries. Love to talk about the various cultures and how they are different or similar with one another.

I can teach you some Chinese.

I'm very good with tech, can fix your computer or cell phone.

Can cook you some authentic Chinese dishes like hongshao rou, thai green curry.

What I Can Share with Hosts

More than happy to pay for things when we are out together, bring home interesting snacks I see, beer!

Respecting your place and always being cleaning, treating it as my own.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belize, Cayman Islands, China, Dominica, Germany, India, Jamaica, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, China, Jamaica