My name is Finbarr and I'm from Ireland.

I studied Geology in university, but last year during my PhD I became obsessed with food, cooking and cuisines from around the world. It was a difficult decision but I decided to cut my PhD short and follow my dream of becoming a chef and eventually opening my own restaurant.

The first step in my new mission was to move here to Japan on a Working Holiday Visa to experience as much as possible about Japanese cuisine, a cuisine I think is one of the best in the world. This includes eating, cooking and hopefully working in a Japanese restaurant (once my Japanese language is better anyways!).

As part of this culinary adventure I am undertaking a bicycle tour from Fukuoka where I'm living all the way to Sendai, and then back down the west coast. This trip will take me about 7-8 weeks and I will be visiting most if cities but also hope to see much of rural Japan. I will be camping most of the time but it would also be brilliant to meet some local people with knowledge of local food and delicacies along the way!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I am just starting as a surfer myself, but one day hope to host many surfers when I have my own house.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Total beginner myself, but good friends with many experienced surfers and hosts who never stop recommending it!

Interests

As I have said my main interest is food and cooking, including food history and culture.

I am also an avid music collector and spend most of my free time collecting and listening to music.

• cooking
• recipes
• traveling
• music
• geology
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Music is my main hobby. I am constantly listening to new music and expanding my music collection. Film is a close second. I watch nearly 1 film per day when I am at home.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I had the opportunity to spend 3 months in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the most dangerous places on earth, flying around in a helicopter and exploring the jungle everyday!

Teach, Learn, Share

I have a growing knowledge of geology and can identify any rock while blindfolded, if the price is right.
I have some experience with music production and would love to collaborate on a song with any interested host!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Although I'm on a budget during this trip I have brought along my Japanese whetstone and would be delighted to sharpen any knives you may have in return for your hospitality!

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Democratic Republic of Congo, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Morocco, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ireland