Hi!
I want to hear your story, but I suppose this section is meant to be about mine...

My no. 1 passion is finding new places and new people. My second is reading texts - novels, biographies, films and even philosophical papers. I think, apart from speaking to people face-to-face, they're the best way to find new ways of looking at the world and of finding out what people think is going on in the world. What's even better is when you can share the experience of these texts with others and get a double wammy!

I'm a pretty laid-back person but always remember to be super considerate of others. I like to look for the best in people, and will always believe in them until proven wrong. Between doing ERASMUS in Pisa and spending a month in Japan with my Aikido friends, I became slightly addicted to travelling and meeting new people, so I joined couchsurfing so that I can see as much of the world (and it's inhabitants!) as possible! Recently I "let life get in the way" and knuckled down to get onto a PhD, but now that's out of the way I think it's time to rekindle the passion (what do you mean I have to work while I'm completing my PhD?!)

"In the light, the earth remains our first and last love. Our brothers are breathing under the same sky: justice is a living thing. Now is born that strange joy that helps one live and die..." - The last few chapters of The Rebel by Albert Camus are what I try to adhere to.
This photo also sums up my 'philosophy': http://www.photodigest.be/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Stanley-Kubrick.-A-tale-of-a-shoe-shine-boy-1947.jpg
What do you think about it?

Interests

I love to be outside! - on the South Bank, in piazzas and outside bars, seeing the sights or hiking all over the place.
Otherwise, you can usually find me watching things or practising martial arts.
I also love to cook and want to pick up as many recipes from my travels as I can. Let's cook for each other :)

• arts
• dining
• cooking
• recipes
• drinking
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• hiking
• martial arts
• study abroad

Music, Movies, and Books

Clearly I'm a bit of film nerd, especially for Italian cinema! We're talking about directors like Sorrentino, Moretti and Garrone - I really believe Italian film is having a revival. Aside from the PhD stuff though, I'll watch almost anything. Films I enjoyed recently are The Company Man, Dogma (haha) and (rewatching) The Producers. As for TV, I tend to watch a ridiculous variety from Community and Broad City to Daredevil, and yes I'm one of those Twin Peaks people too.

I've been a bit naught with books since I finished my English lit degree - I never finish them any more! Books I did finish that go on my all-time list of character-making texts include Catcher in the Rye, Gravity's Rainbow, Catch-22, EVERYTHING by Philip K Dick... you get the idea.

I write for a music review website at www.musicbrokemybones.co.uk Good folk, blues rock and post-rock music get high ratings from me.
I love hearing about new music so if you have a band to share let me know!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Travelled to Japan for a three week Shodokan Aikido training tour, complete with training at the world headquarters, realising that on-sen are the best things ever invented and watching the sun rise from the top of Mt Fuji.

Teach, Learn, Share

I do a lot of tandems - teaching English in exchange for learning someone else's language.

As a black belt in Aikido I teach adult and kids classes back home. My friends always want to see the odd move which I'm happy to show them!

I really want to learn about the different approaches to life different people and different cultures have. I hope we can exchange not just views but food, drink, cultures and stories.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm a strong believer in the etiquette of cooking at least one meal for you host and bringing them a trinket from your home country.
When I choose to stay with people it's usually because I want to hang out with them and see the city from their perspective, hopefully so that I can host them and return the favour one day!
That said, I've stayed with hosts that have been busy/ away - how much time you want to or can spend together is entirely up to you.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russian Federation, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, United Kingdom