Mingalar bar! Welcome to my profile.

I am an MD/Public Health researcher based in Kyoto who is always looking for the meaning of life through exploring new things: places, souls, culture, and stories. I have been to a few foreign states and I never feel that I have had enough.
I grew up without knowing the existence of a big big world outside my home country, Myanmar (Burma) which was isolated under the brutal military dictatorship. Then our border opened in 2010 to the international community — giving me ample opportunities to experience life beyond border.

Unfortunately, the country has once again literally closed its border for many of us who are subject to inhuman persecutions following the military coup in February 2021. I am just grateful that I got a chance to see the world during the decade when the sanctions were loosened, and young people got to dream for a brighter future.

Instagram: @thein_min

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I travel mostly solo on a backpack and meeting new people inspires me with stories I would never have heard otherwise. I always look forward to sharing our travel passion with each other.

Since I have my own private room, I can start hosting CSers again. However, my room is tiny and it’s better suited just for rest after long hours of exploring the city. You will sleep on my bed and I on the floor. You can use my stove if you cook but I’d prefer you eat outside since my kitchen is rudimentary at best. Coin laundry is available downstairs if needed.

Depending on my schedule, I am keen on exploring hidden gems around the city. Please read the section “my home” carefully before making a request.

Interests

I enjoy getting to know fellow travellers when I do solo trips which I believe is the time when most unforgettable memories and friendship are forged. I am always ready to listen to your most exciting travel stories
.
Others: Ancient ruins, architecture, mythology and wildlife

• human rights
• politics
• hiking
• sitcoms
• pokemon go
• detective stories
• fantasy movies

Music, Movies, and Books

Melancholic music that could take me down memory lane

Harry Potter series
Naruto manga & anime
Game of Thrones series
Mind Your Language, Big Bang Theory, FRIENDS, Prison Break

I do not read books in a traditional way, I travel

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I hiked Trolltunga in Odda, Norway and it was my best adventure so far!

Extra: I have a degree from Harvard 😉

Teach, Learn, Share

I always wonder why people hate each other so much to get into wars. Why can we not appreciate our individual differences? Most of us tend to like and pick unique items during shopping, don't we?

I like to talk about philosophies, meaning of life and happy memories with people I meet along my trips. Let’s learn something new together!!!

Personal recommendations in Kyoto:
1. Hike Daimonji mountain for the sunset view and night skyline of Kyoto (bring insect repellents)
2. Visit the small Kimono forest at Arashiyama tram station at night
3. Cross Kamo river using tortoise stepping stones at Kamogawa delta
4. Vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari-taisha are best seen during early mornings to avoid big crowds

What I Can Share with Hosts

Burmese culture including language
Politics? (everything we talk about is somehow related to it, isn't it?)
I can also help with some household chores

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Georgia, Germany, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Isle of Man, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Laos, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Scotland, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States, Vatican City State, Viet Nam, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, Myanmar, United Kingdom, United States