CURRENT MISSION

To be rich in the truest sense of the word, it can’t only be about 'you'. It has to include adding value to other people’s lives.

ABOUT ME

In February 2012 I will start work as a lawyer... which leaves 1 year to make the most of travel opportunities which might not come round again for a long time! The plan is to travel with my girlfriend to Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Cuba from February to June 2011. When I return to London, I intend to continue hosting as before - Couchsurfing has changed what's possible for those on a student budget!

I am an English-French dual national and both languages are my mother tongue, I also speak fairly fluent Spanish and survival-level Italian! Always happy to teach enthusiastic learners in exchange for hosting :)

I've travelled a lot around Western Europe and have gone on long trips to India and Mexico also, including some memorable volunteering in indegenous communities, sleeping in mud huts with tarantulas etc... usually my girlfriend (Rajal) and I travel together. She is also a law student in the same position as me.

My uncle was the first in my family to get involved in hosting people in Paris, his experiences inspired me to start hosting in London. It's been really rewarding to contribute to people's discovery of my home city and hear so many stories from their travels!

I like to think I am a considerate and open person and above all, I want to learn as much as possible before the reality of working life restricts what I can do. My girlfriend is a very flexible traveller too, with a fun-loving spirit. Although she is English, she's of Indian descent so can provide lots of information on India too if you're interested!

Don't hesitate to get in touch if we can help you with London travel tips (or Paris, as I spend much time there also).

PHILOSOPHY

We aim to use and share our skills, encourage others to teach us theirs, and always seek opportunities to challenge our preconceptions. Any terrifying or unusual experiences are welcome too!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Hosting people who visit London.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Haven't couchsurfed officially yet (not through the website anyway, just hap-hazardly with people I've met on travels who wanted to help out my girlfriend and me). Mainly hosting, for 2 or 3 days at a time.

Interests

Languages, and sports - in a big way. We love the outdoors - hiking, watersports (Rajal is particularly into kitesurfing), football, tennis... we also like more intellectual/cultural things and we are always keen to explore interesting sites, galleries, etc.

We travel as much as possible, and I especially enjoy the experience when I can work or volunteer with local people - it's one way to get off the Lonely Planet path.

We also love food and try to cook, we can make a variety of dishes and particularly enjoy French, Indian and Vietnamese food! One day I would like to have lessons with a famous chef and learn the business skills required to manage a restaurant.

• dining
• cooking
• traveling
• survival
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• sports
• soccer
• tennis
• business
• languages
• law
• volunteering

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The Golden Temple in Amritsar, India. Truly beautiful and surrounded by the most helpful and generous religious community I've known. They have been accommodating guests for free outside the temple for years - maybe they were the true founders of CS.org...

Teach, Learn, Share

Language skills (can teach English and French easily, maybe Spanish).