Hello, my name is Islam and one of my greatest passions in life is connecting with people, sharing stories and laughter and learning about cultures all around the world. No experience matches the excitement of arriving in a brand new part of the world (and the less I know about it beforehand, the better), breathing in its air, exploring all the nooks and crannies and engrossing myself in the culture with local people.

"Think of yourself as a human magnet, constantly attracting what you speak, think and feel." The cumulative reward of choosing positivity, open-mindedness and non-judgement is the feeling of joy, gratitude and the miracle of witnessing the universe begin to work in your favour! The seemingly miraculous happens and events and circumstances help you on your path - such as me being introduced to this incredible community.

I have recently moved to Melbourne to begin working in the mental health service. I am humbled by how my job allows me to connect deeply to people and to see so vividly human vulnerability, fragility but also strength, tenacity and the shining beacon of light intrinsic to the human spirit.

I love hiking, being out in nature and generally basking in the glory of the sun. I love conversations about experiences in life, travel, culture, spirituality/personal growth, gym and university time. The rest you'll have to figure out in conversation!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To connect with people from different backgrounds

To learn first hand about other cultures and traditions

Interests

• walking
• reading
• traveling
• jazz
• hiking
• mountaineering
• scuba diving
• bars
• conversation

Music, Movies, and Books

Books - I think there is nothing more facinating than the psychology of the human mind. I love to read books that illuminate the human condition and teach us how to embrace our own inner-beauty and experience the world with greater clarity and freedom.

My favourite authors are Eckhart Tolle, David Hawkins, Leo Tolstoy and George R R Martin. Currently reading Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky.

Movies - Thrillers and mysteries for sure. Shutter Island, The Wailing, Cloverfield and The Invitation to name a few.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Taking my parents to Iceland to see the Northern Lights and hike on a glacier.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Fun, spirited conversation

Sudanese delicacies

A singing voice that doesn't sound half-bad (sounds a whole lot better once a bottle is passed around)!

Countries I’ve Visited

Bulgaria, Egypt, Estonia, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Malaysia, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, England, Sudan