Update 2022: Here's a page that has been fairly static for 13 years... and in internet years that's a lifetime. Lots has changed on CS since then, but for the most part I'm the same person. Simply more adventures, more life lessons, and maybe some more maturity. It seems sad to change the profile that sent me around the world twice, so going to leave most of it as is. The first half of my CS experiences was heavily weighted towards surfing, and recently, it has been lots more hosting. (3x vax)

Insta: @sinan_leylek

CURRENT MISSION

Encourage spontaneous decision making

ABOUT ME

Ever since I can remember I've been wanting to travel. I have a crazy addiction for adventure and to push myself when I'm motivated to do something. I love to go hiking and spend time outdoors but also enjoy once in awhile a night in watching a movie or playing some video games with my friends. I'm always up to try new activities/sports and have been trying to put myself out of my element so I can discover new experiences in life. I'm an open minded guy and would love to see where your coming from. I always seem to have a smile on my face and I'm sure you'll find I'm fun to be around and will enjoy your time with me!

After a 7 month trip traveling around the world in 2009/10 I went back home to study business, marketing, and entrepreneurship. It was a worthwhile experience, but nothing beats the randomness and enjoyment of traveling with CouchSurfing.

I've done some work in the film industry as well as at an ice cream factory and a program to promote buying local food. I own a lighting & effects rental business that I launched at the end of my last 8 month trip in 2015.

I love putting on a new pair of socks, storms, all four seasons, popcorn, ruffing it, and waking up and having no idea what country I'll sleep in that night.

Fun fact: I rarely sleep with a pillow!

I'm also a vegetarian but don't mind eating around others who aren't.

Here is a PDF link to a book I wrote from my trip around the world: https://www.dropbox.com/s/u1t5l6b7a9s4oz6/WorldTour2010eBook.pdf

PHILOSOPHY

Never settle for anything less then what makes you happy. Get out there and see what the world has to offer.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

It's safe to say I've done my fair share of surfing, but after moving (2016) into a place where I'm finally able to host in Winnipeg, I'm looking forward to opening up my comfy (it really is) couch to travellers.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Just before I set out on a 7 month trip (2009) around the world I was informed of Couchsurfing. I decided to try it out and it made my trip absolutely incredible; changed my life. It has really made me want to help anyone I can. I stayed with people in every corner of the world and encourage them to allow me to return the favour. Then came another 8 month trip in 2014.

Interests

Trekking/Canyoning, beers with friends, beers with strangers, board game, making movies, newspapers, urban planning, traveling on trains, watching/playing sports. I love the Olympics too, I can't get enough of the mix of all the countries and different sports.

I love the feeling when I find myself unintentionally with a huge smile. Those naturally are the best moments in life. I also like riding a bus just a couple hours before sunset. Just when the sun is low enough to not be so intense which leaves an orange glow on everything you pass.

I've always had an interest in geography and countries. Since I was young I would always pick up items in a store and look at where it was made.

I really enjoy exploring the unknown which usually includes caves, cliffs, canyons, and the occasional quarry. Ghost towns are up there too!

I like experimenting with photography but I only seem to do so when I travel. I've been able to solve that problem quite easily:) Modern architecture also interests me. That and city planning.

Comforts foods include popcorn and maple fudge.

Music, Movies, and Books

Tv show:Departures (Canadian travel tv show that everyone on this site will love - check it out online, amazing!) I also have a guilty pleasure for watching the Amazing Race and Big Brother. It is also my dream to compete on one of these shows now that there are Canadian versions.

Movies: Bond films, Into the Wild, Darjeeling Limited, Rat Race, Just Friends, Superbad, Hangover

Music: Coldplay, The National, Metric, Cut Copy...I'm usually happy to listen to all kinds of music.

Books: A big newspaper fan and enjoyed Round Ireland with a fridge. I could oddly relate to many parts of it.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

A month long backpacking trip with a friend in Turkey. 10 of those days were unexpectedly spent hiking in the south. This was definitely the best week of my life. From getting lost in the woods to swimming in the sea one day and then climbing to the peak of a 2365 meter mountain the next.

This trip was also the first time I ever saw a shooting star which has only led me to look for more things in the sky. A couple of nights ago I was staring at the sky when I saw the biggest meteor burn up in the sky turning all these different colours. Really cool, mini Armageddon, so now I tend to be looking up more.

Completing a world tour in 2009/2010. 32 countries which included getting lost in the Omani desert for 4 days.

Teach, Learn, Share

Stovetop popcorn or how to get the next big idea of yours off the ground.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, United Kingdom

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