I am a tall Dutchy currently living in Phnom Penh (again) with my cats Fifty Shady and Chickpea.

READ my entire profile if you wish to send me a Request. I know when you did not.

I spend my days mixing work (from home) with writing, coming up with world-changing ideas, and noodles. Over the past two decades, I've launched digital platforms, led humanitarian innovations, sent folks up Mt. Kilimanjaro, and even started a movie theater chain in Cambodia. I don't do "ordinary" very well.

A quick note:

I'm not available for casual meetups, tour guide requests, or finding cycling buddies. I don't use Couchsurfing as a social networking platform; I already have a full life and circle here.

What I do offer is the chance to join me in my actual day-to-day life. You're welcome to mingle along with me, my routines, and my world. So if you're looking for someone to dedicate their days to showing you around Phnom Penh, that's not me. But if you want authentic immersion and genuine connection? Let's talk.

I've been part of the Couchsurfing community for over 18 years! After taking a break, I'm excited to be back and hosting again this year (hence this new profile). On my profile you see the photos from my previous adventures with the many wonderful guests I've welcomed or hosts I stayed with.

I am the highly experienced host for the original CS spirited people. CS is about sharing, not just a free place to sleep, but time, stories, experiences, and a genuine openness toward others. CS isn't about free lodging, it's about belonging to a global community that values sharing. Hello!

My home is your home.

What I Can Offer:
• A wealth of local knowledge and stories
• A genuine cultural exchange, or you just do your own thing
• Space for one person only (my place is cozy!)
• A comfortable shared king size bed (not a floor space - ever)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I treat my guests the same way I would treat any friend who is visiting. And of course you are going to need some down time.

Having relied on the kindness of strangers during my own travels, I believe in the beautiful cycle of giving back. Connecting with people from around the world, whether visitors, expats, or professionals, energizes me! I love to talk, listen, learn, and share life experiences.

I'm mostly drawn to curious, independent travelers who embrace the world with confidence and joy: people who are genuinely interested in different perspectives, cultures, and ways of living. Open-minded, yes (this needs to be explained after the #metoo era:) in the intellectual and cultural sense: someone who asks questions, listens without judgment, and finds beauty in the unfamiliar and the chaos of Cambodia.

That said, if you're passionate about your 60-hour office job or live a completely conventional life, I'd still love to hear your perspective! It's the curiosity and willingness to connect authentically that matters most.

I have a real homepage of course: www.hereigoagainonmyown.com

Interests

• writing
• yoga
• working out
• movies
• swimming
• reading books
• radio
• sharing
• pubs
• hammocks

Music, Movies, and Books

One favorite: "Shoeless Joe" by W.P. Kinsella
(Familiar with "Field of Dreams"? This is the book that inspired it!)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I traveled through 18 countries in 22 months without spending any money! I did that by being the first person to use the internet to "request hospitality" with my own www.letmestayforaday.com. Yup, this was YEARS before Couchsurfing was even launched!

Some call me the "Godfather of Couchsurfing" because of this journey, what an honor!
• http://www.worldhum.com/features/travel-interviews/interview-with-ramon-stoppelenburg-the-godfather-of-couchsurfing-20090122/
• http://www.vagablogging.net/before-couchsurfingcom-there-was-letmestayforaday.html

While these travels happened over 20 years ago (a lifetime!), I've moved forward and love living in the present too. Let's talk about more than just my past adventures!

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm happy to share recommendations for fantastic lunch, dinner, or drink spots around town. And if our schedules align, perhaps we'll end up at one together!

What I Can Share with Hosts

✨ Before Requesting My Couch... ✨

After +750 couches surfed and +950 guests hosted, I've learned what creates the most meaningful Couchsurfing experiences. Here's what makes our time together amazing:

📸 Complete Profile Required
Your profile should include photos and tell your story. I'm excited to learn who you are! Social media links are welcome too.

🌍 Stay More Than One Night
Couchsurfing is about sharing lives, not just sharing a couch. Real connections need time to develop. Longer stays let you settle into the rhythm of life here; joining me for meals when our schedules align, spontaneous conversations, and the organic moments that make Couchsurfing special.

💬 Open Communication
Do you have any special needs, preferences, or quirks? Please let me know up front. If it sounds like too much for my space or lifestyle, I can gladly suggest a comfy Airbnb instead.

🎉 Respectful Lifestyle Match
If late-night partying until dawn and sleeping until afternoon is your travel style, we might not be the perfect match. I value guests who have their own rhythm and don't need constant entertainment. I work and live here with a full life and you're welcome to join me in it, but I'm not rearranging my schedule to host. That's all part of the shared experience here.

🚫 No Surprise Guests
Additional overnight visitors require advance discussion and approval. Yes, I have been told numerous time "This is Mark/Jenny, I met him/her on the bus to..." and this person was dragged along to my house. Uhm....

📅 Spontaneous Requests Only
Contact me within one month of your visit. I thrive on spontaneity and don't plan far ahead!

⛔️ Important Boundary
Let's be crystal clear: I'm here for friendship and cultural exchange, not romance or dating. Couchsurfing is about connection, not hookups. If you're looking for anything beyond safe, comfortable and platonic hospitality, please look elsewhere.

⛔️ Have we never met before? Then don't send me a Friend Request on this platform. That's just weird.

If you've read this far and want to request to stay with me, please begin your request with "Ramon, I love life too!" This lets me know you've taken the time to read my profile and care about who you're staying with.

My previous profile had 246 references (245 positive, 1 neutral) from hosts, surfers, and travelers. Time to build new memories!

Looking forward to sharing stories and laughter with you soon!

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Cambodia, Canada, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, England, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Laos, Morocco, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Cambodia, Canada, Georgia, Indonesia, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, United States