Hi, I’m Lourens, a 36-year-old adventurer from Pretoria, South Africa, gearing up to backpack through Eastern and Southeastern Europe—think Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, and more—from July to November 2025! I’m new to Couchsurfing, so I’m jumping in with excitement and a bit to learn—happy for any tips from hosts! I’m a budget traveler with a love for culture, nature, and genuine connections. My past adventures include exploring Vietnam’s vibrant markets and Halong Bay’s karsts, snorkeling Madagascar’s Nosy Be reefs, trekking Lesotho’s Maluti Mountains, and hitting 13 destinations and 10 hiking trails across South Africa, from Kruger safaris to Drakensberg peaks.

I’m traveling to immerse myself in the heart of Eastern and Southeastern Europe, staying in hostels and hoping to couchsurf for a true local experience. I’d love to share home-cooked meals, swap stories, and dive into your culture—maybe your favorite local dish or a hidden spot in your country. I’m happy to contribute to costs, help with chores, or pitch in with my hospitality experience (I’ve managed a family venue back home). I studied at the University of Pretoria, freelancing online to fund my journey, and I’m fluent in English and Afrikaans.

As a guest, I’m respectful, tidy, and eager to share tales from my travels—like tubing down Sabie River or camping under Drakensberg stars—while soaking up your world. I’m here to build lasting friendships and see your country through your eyes. Since I’m new to Couchsurfing, I’d appreciate your guidance to make this a great experience for us both. Let’s connect, share a piece of life, and make this adventure unforgettable!

我为什么加入 Couchsurfing

’m on Couchsurfing to dive deep into the heart of Eastern and Southeastern Europe—countries like Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Albania—during my July to November 2025 backpacking adventure. After exploring Vietnam’s bustling markets, Madagascar’s coral reefs, Lesotho’s rugged mountains, and South Africa’s trails and safaris, I’ve learned that the best way to experience a place is through its people. Couchsurfing is my chance to connect with locals, share home-cooked meals, and discover your culture, from hidden gems to everyday traditions.

As a budget traveler, I’m excited to swap stories from my travels—like hiking Drakensberg’s Mnweni Pass or savoring phở in Hanoi—for your local insights. I’m new to Couchsurfing, so I’m eager to learn the ropes and open to guidance from hosts. I’m happy to pitch in with costs, help with chores, or share my hospitality experience from running a family venue in Pretoria. My goal is to build genuine friendships, create unforgettable memories, and see your world through your eyes, all while being a respectful and grateful guest.

兴趣

• culture
• travel
• travelling
• cultures
• meeting people
• meet people
• travelling around the world
• travelling and meeting new people

音乐、电影和书籍

basically everything, not that big on books, mostly do research for my reading.

我做过的一件不可思议的事情

The most amazing thing I’ve done was stumbling into a 5-star yacht cruise through Vietnam’s Halong Bay—pure luck! I snagged an incredible deal that cost less than the accommodation I’d booked in Halong Bay. Imagine gliding among UNESCO-listed limestone karsts, savoring gourmet 5-star meals, snorkeling in turquoise waters, and canoeing through hidden lagoons, all for a bargain. The best part? A barbecue atop the yacht under a starry sky, with fireworks lighting up the bay. I stayed up until sunrise, sharing South African whiskey and stories with an awesome Norwegian couple while fishing for squid off the back of the yacht. That serendipitous night of connection and adventure is why I travel. Now, as I plan to backpack Eastern and Southeastern Europe—Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania—in 2025, I’m excited to chase more unexpected moments with hosts, sharing tales from my Pretoria roots, Madagascar reefs, Lesotho treks, and South African trails, while diving into your local culture!

教，学，和分享

Teach: I can share slices of South African life from my Pretoria roots, like how to prepare a proper braai (our BBQ tradition) or basic Afrikaans phrases to add some local flavor. As a second-year Business Studies student freelancing online, I can offer tips on budgeting for travel or managing side hustles. From my adventures, I can share practical skills like navigating bustling markets (learned in Vietnam) or packing light for multi-day hikes (mastered in South Africa’s Drakensberg).

Learn: I’m eager to soak up your culture in Eastern and Southeastern Europe! Teach me your favorite local recipes, whether it’s a Bulgarian banitsa or an Albanian byrek. I’d love to learn about your daily life, hidden spots in your country, or traditional customs—maybe even a few words in Hungarian, Romanian, or Albanian. I’m new to Couchsurfing, so I’m excited to learn the art of being a great guest and any tips you have for exploring your region like a local.

Share: I bring stories from trekking Lesotho’s Maluti Mountains, snorkeling Madagascar’s Nosy Be reefs, cruising Vietnam’s Halong Bay, and hiking 10 trails across South Africa’s Kruger and Mpumalanga. Let’s swap tales over a meal—maybe about spotting rhinos on a budget safari or wandering Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets. I’m happy to share the load too: I’ll pitch in with chores, contribute to costs, or help with anything from cooking to planning a day trip. My goal is to exchange experiences, build friendships, and create memories that capture the spirit of your corner of Europe!

我可以与沙发主分享些什么

As a guest, I bring a backpack full of stories and a heart open to sharing! From my travels across Vietnam, Madagascar, Lesotho, and 13 South African destinations, I can share tales of cruising Halong Bay’s limestone karsts, snorkeling Nosy Be’s vibrant reefs, trekking Lesotho’s Maluti Mountains, and hiking 10 trails through South Africa’s Drakensberg and Mpumalanga. Whether it’s swapping stories over coffee about spotting the Big Five in Kruger or navigating Hanoi’s bustling markets, I love connecting through travel experiences.

Growing up in Pretoria, I’m fluent in English and Afrikaans, so I can share phrases or insights from South African culture—like the joy of a braai or the rhythm of Afrikaans music. My hospitality experience i can help with meal prep, or share tips for hosting events. I’m also a second-year Business Studies student, freelancing online, so I can offer practical help like organizing travel plans or brainstorming budget tips. I’m happy to pitch in with chores, share costs, or teach you a bit about South African life. Let’s exchange cultures and create new stories together!

我游览过的国家

Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Viet Nam

我居住过的国家

South Africa