Hi! My name is Johanna, living in Brussels, Belgium. As most people on Couchsurfing, I like to think of myself as an open-minded person and always looking to meet people with the same mindset. I work as a freelance consultant, advising companies on sustainability. I also love photography (digital and analog), reading and playing indoor football.

When traveling, I like to combine the chaos of cities with the peace and quiet of the outdoors. The highlights of my trips are mostly the time spent with people and sharing experiences - whether I know them well or not. I do like spending time alone as well, but a combination suits me best :-)

A few years back, I spent 2 months in the West of the US together with a friend. For both of us, it was the first time couchsurfing and it opened up a whole new world. The days spent with local hosts were the highlights of our trip. I've since been happy to have couchsurfed in Montenegro as well.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have always lived in a open house where everybody walked in and out, people could stay over if they needed a place and were always welcomed at the dinner table. The slogan was: always welcome, because the more, the merrier. I try having that same philosophy now living on my own - one of best things in the world is when people feel at home in my space.

By traveling and hosting, I hope to meet people with that same mindset through this platform. We can share stories, a meal, or just quietude together. There's so much we can learn from each other - about culture, art, history & kindness.

*Important note about hosting:*
I have a full and busy life here in Brussels, and I really enjoy it. When I host, I see it a bit like having a temporary roommate: I’m happy to have you around, but I’m often coming and going, so it’s important that you’re independent.
I love sharing a meal or a coffee when our schedules align, and if not, that’s okay too. Sometimes we’ll just have quick chats when we bump into each other at home, which I enjoy. I also need my alone time, so please be mindful of that.
If you’re looking for a host to show you around or entertain you, I’m not the best fit. But if you’re easygoing and self-sufficient, feel free to reach out.

*Important note about messaging*
I use Couchsurfing for hosting/being hosted, not for casual meetups. Please only send me messages if you’re a traveller looking for a host.

Interests

• photography
• cultural immersion
• food
• nature
• sustainability
• exploring new places
• sustainable living

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I have an eclectic music taste, there's little music I don't like (though it depends on my mood and the setting :-) ). Lately I've been listening a lot to: Frank Ocean, Little Simz, Portico Quartet, Tash Sultana, Flavien Berger
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Movies: I like films with a slower pace, where the emotion is felt, but not necessarily shown explicitly. Some of my favorite movies of all times are Les Intouchables (2011) and Call me by your name. Lately I saw Aftersun and Poor Things, which left a big impression.
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Books: I love reading both fiction and non-fiction. One of my favourite books is Just Kids by Patti Smith.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Waking up in the desert at 6AM with an awe-inspiring sunrise.

Teach, Learn, Share

I’m a photographer - I love it because it makes me look at the world from different angles. My photos invite you to do the same. (www.johannahaerens.be)

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories. And I love cooking, so would gladly prepare a meal that we can enjoy together.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Austria, Brazil, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, Germany, Netherlands