Things I like: books, forest walks, veggie markets, sudden downpours, seashores, pumpkins, stories, grumpy trees, tea, kitchen gardens, thrift stores, chestnuts, pastries and nice talks. I love to travel, alone or with friends, to the end of the world or just a train ride away. Besides reading, I spend my days writing, laughing, singing, dreaming and wishing I lived in a house in the woods.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Meeting new people and talking to them makes you forget your daily routines and dream about adventures to come, both micro and huge. Travelling is maybe even more about the people than the places you visit, they are the ones who transform a simple trip into a memory worth talking about.

Interests

Autumn is my favourite season. I love how nature is just like "Well, let's change" and then all of a sudden turns into this world full of colours and scents. I'm always up for a chat about daily life anywhere on earth. I am preparing a PhD on the need for a culturally sensitive approach in the understanding and treatment of anorexia nervosa.

Growing up in the city, I always longed for nature that made me feel real and small. I guess that's why as a teenager, I sometimes just ran away from home to spend the evening watching stars and staring into the unknown.

I absolutely love words. I am a writer and a spoken word artist. Hearing my own voice comforts me. I am sensitive to beautiful phrases.

Sometimes I just wander around town, observing life as it happens. In the morning I wake up early to watch the sun rise while listening to my favourite music. I find those solitary moments perfectly entertwined with the warm, loving social relationships I have.

I have the greatest gift to be surrounded by people whose joy over homemade food is disarming. Other things that make me happy: singing (all day), baking, my bike, sketch books (that first pen stroke!), fresh fruit, written letters, art, and British English.

Music, Movies, and Books

At the moment, I am fond of the works of Andrea Bajani, Marlene van Niekerk, Laura Van der Haar, and Jenny Olfill. As for poetry, I'm quite proud of the Flemish language. We have some words and expressions that sound really beautiful.

I prefer non-chain cinemas hidden in unknown city streets. The most memorable films I saw are about human innocence and authenticity in daily life.

Music: Xavier Rudd, Tom Rosenthal, Bon Iver, Bear's Den, The Tallest Man on Earth, and Bart Peeters.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've lived in the DRC for four months, all by myself. At 19, I was a reporter at the WYD in Brazil.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Tea, stories, laughter. More tea.

Countries I’ve Visited

Benin, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Spain, Togo, United Kingdom, Zambia

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, Democratic Republic of Congo