ABOUT ME

We are a small family living in a small house on the outskirts of Groningen, in the north of the Netherlands. We are eager but not overly ambitious (cycle) travellers and enjoy hosting travellers.

Sami (Cairo, 1950) teaches international relations at Groningen university, and does a lot of work-related travelling, all in the name of democracy. Spending so much time in impersonal hotels makes him all the more appreciative of a home stay. Jacqueline (Montreal, 1964) is writing her PhD thesis on Cameroon (history), trying not to let distractions (sewing, gardening, music) interfere. Sophia (Delft, 2002) is a voracious reader who combines school with a challenging schedule as a member of the National Children's Choir and trumpet player in various bands. All three of us enjoy making and listening to music. There is no television in the house, but more books than you could possibly read during your stay.

While we love socializing, we're generally not party types. The ideal couch surfers for us are people who act as though they are at home, rather than behaving like guests. Just join in with the family.

We normally speak Dutch amongst ourselves but are just as comfortable in English. Sami is fluent in German and French, and there are a bits and pieces of other languages, including West African Pidgin and Arabic, floating around.

We have a small, makeshift guestroom for 2 people, and can accommodate people willing to improvise for a few days. There is space in the garden for a tent. No smokers please.

We are planning to visit upstate New York, NY City and New England in July-August 2015 and look forward to meeting CS people then!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

We started CS when we cycled from Basel to Groningen in 2012. CS and other homestays (via warmshowers, a kind of CS for cyclists) were among the highlights of our holiday. But really we have been CS hosts and travellers pretty much all our lives, long before CS was founded.

Interests

We love good music, good books, good boardgames, good food, good company.

• writing
• books
• performing arts
• dining
• partying
• gardening
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• trumpet
• cycling
• camping
• history
• international relations
• languages
• beaches

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Too many to choose from! I think camping on the banks of Lake Superior at 12-mile beach ranks high on the list. And the 2011 performance of Mahler's 8th symphony by the Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam in 2011.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Cameroon, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Cameroon, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, United States