I am a fanatic of architecture and heritage and I walk like a crazy person when I travel. I am normally quite easygoing, a bit introverted, rather nerdy, extremely curious and have a constant drive to travel. I am currently living in Cardiff, pursuing my PhD in architecture. Before that, I have lived in Beijing, Leuven (Belgium) and Luang Prabang (Laos). I have been led to these places by either the pursuit of my passion or pure coincidence. I studied Chinese ancient architecture and heritage conservation and worked as a heritage conservation planner, which gave me a lot of opportunities to travel around the globe. I love arts (from ancient ones to contemporary ones, all forms), theatre, music (rather picky but also wide-ranged), literature. A nice intellectual conversation is something I'd enjoy having with my friends. I enjoyed improv theatre a lot when I was living in Beijing and occasionally played the piano for the group there - it was a lot of fun to play in an improvised musical! I love photography and have been doing it since I was a kid. My camera is my tool to document architecture but also my means to express and create conceptual art.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have been on Couchsurfing for quite a while but haven't really used it much. I guess it's never too late to start.

Interests

I have many interests, but ultimately I am a relic hunter.

• performing arts
• architecture
• graphic design
• photography
• music
• live music
• art history
• history
• ancient history
• cultural exchange
• fine arts
• heritage
• cultural heritage
• conceptual art

Music, Movies, and Books

I am open to all kinds of music, movies and books but am mostly interested in ones that have a transcendental power. To name a few, I love 20th century classical (also classical in general) - Arnold Schoenberg is one of the most important composers. I also enjoy modern/contemporary rock, e.g. Pink Floyd, Godspeed you black emperor, Sigur Ros, etc. I have recently finished reading Austerlitz and am reading Warden (2nd attempt). Steppenwolf is probably one of my all-time favourite books. I like Hitchcock a lot even though I am not a big fan of thriller movies. I love Cloud Atlas - probably the one great movie that I've watched on the big screen in the past few years. I like movies with a certain subtlety and multiple layers, e.g. The Lobster, A Single Man, The Summer Palace, etc. Oh there are too many to mention. I am sure we can have a good chat when we meet if you are interested.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Not sure if it is amazing at all but just a lesser known thing I've done - I had a personal piano concert when I was 17.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am always learning and I will never stop. I enjoy sharing experiences and interesting stories with interesting people. I am a compassionate and empathetic person and am always ready to lend an ear (or two).

What I Can Share with Hosts

stories, music, movies, photos, laughs, cooking, wine. (If so it happens that we ought to share some tears and pain, that's okay as well. I'd try to be as compassionate as possible.)

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, Portugal, Russian Federation, Scotland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, China, Laos, United Kingdom, Wales