As reflected in my profile, my name is Nelson Manual. I am a practicing architect, a lecturer, and an environmental analyst. I am a naturally friendly person, always curious to discover what lies beyond the horizon, which often fuels my passion for traveling and exploring new places.

In terms of personality, I would describe myself as down-to-earth and approachable, though I tend to remain reserved until I sense a positive and genuine connection. Once that bond is established, you will find me to be a fun and lively person to be around.

I enjoy reading at my leisure. However, when it comes to novels, I often find myself losing interest before reaching the end. This is because, in my experience, many stories tend to become predictable over time. Nevertheless, I deeply value knowledge and remain committed to learning and personal growth.

I am also a man of faith. To me, faith is a deeply personal experience — a matter of the heart and mind between an individual and their beliefs. For that reason, I hold an open-minded view of religion and do not engage in discrimination based on differing beliefs.

Currently, I reside in Florence, Italy, having relocated from Canada to complete my Ph.D. program in Architecture and Urbanism.

In my free time, I embrace adventure and excitement — I enjoy skydiving, cycling, and I am an enthusiastic fan of Formula 1 racing.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am here to offer accommodation to travelers from all around the world who are visiting The Gambia, and Europe provided I am available at the time of their visit. I believe that hosting people from different backgrounds is a beautiful way to foster cultural exchange, create meaningful connections, and offer travelers a more authentic experience of my country beyond traditional tourism.

Similarly, when I travel, I also appreciate the opportunity to be accommodated by locals. It allows me to immerse myself in the culture, understand the traditions, and learn about the place in a much deeper and more meaningful way all within a short period of time.

I was introduced to Couchsurfing by a Spanish friend during a visit to Spain, and since then, I have come to appreciate the spirit of sharing, trust, and open-mindedness that the community promotes. Couchsurfing, to me, is more than just finding a place to sleep it’s about building bridges across cultures, exchanging stories, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Interests

I have a wide range of interests that reflect my passion for creativity, learning, and adventure. As an architect and designer, I have a deep love for art, design, and anything that allows for creative expression. I enjoy traveling and exploring new cultures, believing that each journey adds new layers to my understanding of the world. I have a keen interest in history, especially ancient civilizations and their influence on modern society. I am also passionate about teaching, sharing knowledge, and mentoring others, which is why I enjoy my work as a lecturer.

In my personal time, I enjoy activities that give me a sense of freedom and excitement, such as cycling, skydiving, and following Formula 1 racing. I love the thrill of adventure but also appreciate the quieter moments of life, like reading, writing, and engaging in meaningful conversations. As someone with a strong sense of faith and spirituality, I also take an interest in philosophical discussions and exploring different worldviews with an open mind.

Above all, I have a strong interest in building connections meeting people from different walks of life, learning from their experiences, and sharing my own culture and perspectives in return.

• interior design
• watching sports
• socializing
• surfing
• sports
• swimming
• extreme sports
• international relations
• study

Music, Movies, and Books

SIA one million bullets
The man in the iron mask
The revival.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Sky diving. Went on tour through Africa.

Teach, Learn, Share

As a host, I am more than happy to share not just a place to stay, but also knowledge and experiences that can enrich your journey.
One of the things I can offer travelers is a basic introduction to the ideas of design and graphics. As an architect and designer, I can teach you the fundamentals of visual composition, the principles of balance, proportion, color theory, and how to communicate ideas effectively through visual media. Whether you are curious about architectural sketches, graphic layouts, or even simple creative techniques, I would be delighted to give you a hands-on, beginner-friendly insight into the world of design.

In addition to creative learning, I would love to introduce travelers to the rich culture and traditions of the Igbo people my heritage. The Igbo tribe, located primarily in southeastern Nigeria, traces its ancestral roots back to Gad, the seventh son of Jacob, according to traditional accounts.
The Igbo culture is deeply rooted in community life, respect for elders, vibrant festivals, traditional dances, music, proverbs, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. I can share stories about our customs, traditional ceremonies like the “Iri Ji” (New Yam Festival), the significance of kola nuts in greetings and rituals, our traditional clothing, and the values that guide daily life, such as hard work, family loyalty, and hospitality.

Through storytelling, shared meals, music, and open conversations, travelers can gain a deeper understanding not only of where I come from but also of how history, spirituality, and tradition continue to shape the identity of the Igbo people today.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Life experience. Art and creative thinking for design.

Countries I’ve Visited

Benin, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Maldives, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Gambia, Ghana, Italy, Mauritius, Nigeria, Seychelles