I explored life in its many forms for so many years in order to relive my lost youth. When the futility of running away became apparent, I decided to settle down where it all started, heal my wounds and start again.

That is what I am doing now; approaching my current life on the Rock with the perspective of a former traveller who has a more openminded perspective on what we can achieve as a community. I really enjoy my job as a journalist reflecting the views of the unique multicultural identity we have in Gibraltar, dealing with politicians, businesspeople and unions.

However, despite all this I don't take myself too seriously and will try to empathise as much as possible and understand we are all different and that is what makes us special and individuals.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My CS experience has gone well and opened doors for further character and cultural exploration which has benefited me and hopefully those I have shared times with too. I loved the project as it was been a pivotal part of my travelling experience the first few years although I'm sad to say it's become a free airbnb recently.

I feel the idea of allowing someone into your home emphasizes our unity despite difference, that we should bring down the borders between us, and that if we believe all things are possible. If we can conquer fear we can also overcome hatred, intolerance and preconceptions.

I just hope people who come here understand that it's my home, that I have an unpredictable work schedule I use to pay for it and are happy enough to adapt to that. It's not the cleanest place in the world too, so any fussy people who get alarmed by dust or a bit of my organised chaos please don't ask to be hosted!

Interests

I enjoyed travelling and even though that is a different stage in my life, i like meeting people and listening to what they have to say- after all this is an investment not only in knowledge of their ways, but a knowledge of yourself and areas where you need to improve and grow.

I also enjoyed hitching though I don't do it anymore but instead picked some up in the area which is my way of giving back. I am a keen surfer when there are waves mainly in winter and I like talking about leftie topics like feminism (as I value equality, however hard it is to accomplish) alternative outlooks (it's good to keep open and thinking outside the box) and amateur anthropology (if you are not connecting with other cultures when you're a traveller, you will never grow into a fuller human being).

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' and other travel writers.

I also like reading enlightening material on finding the higher self and empathising with others which leads to a fuller understanding of who we are and a personal development that is quite interesting on the long run.

I enjoy listening to different music from hardcore to techno..

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I survived having all my stuff stolen in ecuador and reached Peru on $50 with nothing but a board under my arm and a t-shirt. I couldn't even find some flip-flops so i went barefoot all the way.
I also found myself roving through Australia. That was essential for the beginning of growth and a real self-discovery on the road from one side to the other.
I hitched Europe four times that truly gives real meaning to the adage that the journey is the destination. (is that three things? oops)

Teach, Learn, Share

I like to chat about lots of subjects, after all we do receive and understand a lot more when we sit and listen even if the words are just vehicles for our message.
I can share my home which has a pool and even air con (yes, its a bit bourg but its actually quite nice in summer) and is ten minutes walk from a beach with a cool beach bar that has some great live music and nice parties.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I speak a number of languages and can share those with people as well as some great travel stories and experience of different sub-cultures. But it will be tough to connect if you cannot understand this way of life, as that is my personal experience.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Brazil, Germany, Gibraltar, Peru, Spain, United Kingdom

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