CURRENT MISSION

To travel from Europe to America and back without taking a plane

ABOUT ME

I'm a 28 year old English guy. I just sailed across from Spain to the Caribbean which took a month and was a wonderful adventure. Now I'm exploring the land I've discovered!

I like to connect with people meaningfully. I like pure unbridled fun, too, but I guess these days if there's a bit more depth to it it's a real bonus.

I spend a lot of time reading and writing at the moment. I love to communicate/share ideas, thoughts and feelings.

I find writing this quite hard!

matthinc.travellerspoint.com is my blog which gives a fairly good sense of who I am.

PHILOSOPHY

I love this category - my personal philosophy. I guess to try and put it into words: anti-authoritarianism, feminism, bits of Buddhism, anarcho-syndicalism. Compassion is wisdom, wisdom is compassion. Morality is a construct, but ever so useful. God likewise, but less clearly useful. I feel it's important to explore oneself and try and know oneself honestly.

Why do I live my life? Hmmm, good question. I am trying to make sense of our world, to learn the art of living. I care deeply about the environment, social justice, and honest connection and relationships. I think I'll be learning how to approach these things more completely and perceptively for the rest of my life, and that's a wonderful reason to be here.

Feelings? As many as possible please.

Thoughts? Likewise, but with a semblance of order.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Hosting and surfing, although previously via my girlfriend's account.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've really enjoyed people coming to visit, getting to know them, learning about other cultures and getting the chance to be hospitable. I enjoy travelling and love the open kindness of people who extend their hospitality. Stepping away from the monetising/commodification of travelling is a strong positive statement, and a model for a better world.

Interests

I enjoy reading, writing, theatre, films and conversation, not necessarily in that order, or any order at all.

Social justice, the environment, engagement with how we run our world and relate are important for me.

I really like the outdoors, the sea, the land, walking, camping, plants and creatures. I like to explore: places, thoughts, feelings.

I like to work with my hands as well as my mind.

• birds
• arts
• writing
• environment
• womens rights
• chocolate
• running
• modeling
• walking
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• blogging
• outdoor activities
• camping
• surfing
• sailing
• buddhist
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

A real range, although normally not the lowest common denominator. I was so moved by La Haine when I rewatched it recently, I never get tired of Bob Dylan, and I have just finished reading some short plays by Tennessee Williams and a John Updike novel.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Sailing across the Atlantic was my most recent exploit, whales, dolphins, wind, waves, rain and all.

Teach, Learn, Share

I know about renewable energy, sailing. I was an English teacher for a year just after university. I know quite a lot about the natural world, mainly birds and butterflies. And I'm always learning, thankfully, and will share a chocolate bar 50/50.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

Hungary, United Kingdom