Thomas van der Have's Photo

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  • 90% response rate
  • Last login about 4 hours ago

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Overview

  • 221 references 150 Confirmed & Positive
  • Fluent in Dutch, English; learning French, Spanish
  • 34, Male
  • Member since 2013
  • Beverage Technologist
  • Biochemical Engineering & Food Science
  • No hometown listed
  • Profile 100% complete

About Me

After a couple of years in in the Netherlands I returned to my home country, currently living in the old town of Leuven.

During my studies I had the fortune to do several Erasmus programs, combining studying with travelling and took it as a great opportunity to meet people, get in contact with different cultures and learn more from life! Upon graduation I took a gap year to Australia and Asia and will never regret that choice.
Working life has been an adventure as well, navigating my way through several companies, different industries and various roles, both in Belgium and Netherlands, eventually ending up as beverage technologist.

From time to time I have the urge for a trip abroad, it feels like a revitalization. In 2025 it's time for a sabbatical and to embark the adventure of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.

Like St. Augustine said: "The world is a book and those who don't travel read only one page". ;)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

During my trips I hope to couchsurf every now and then, so you actually experience the culture of the country and meet the people who live in the region you're travelling in. I also love to hear great travel stories and life adventures of other people, sometimes there's nothing better than having a good chat!
At home I usually have a busy schedule, but I try to welcome surfers every so often.

I came in contact with CS during my Erasmus period in Porto thanks to an American namesake whom I met through common friends. Starting from this first experience of being abroad by myself for a longer time, I have changed a lot personally and I got stung by the travel bug. Ever since Couchsurfing has been a sure thing during my travels, studies and work abroad - from hosting most interesting and kind strangers who became friends, to staying with awesome hosts who felt like family afterwards, and memorable CS events/meetups.

Interests

My interests have a broad range from sports (frisbee, running, cycling...), boardgames, philosophy and debates on many topics like geopolitics, ... and you would never guess it, but travelling too. ;)

If you're a runner, it would be great to go on some run together!

  • culture
  • running
  • drinking
  • traveling
  • socializing
  • cycling
  • hiking
  • sports
  • soccer
  • geopolitics
  • philosophy
  • ultimate frisbee
  • boardgames
  • bikepacking

Teach, Learn, Share

There are always things you can learn from each other! From languages to cooking a local dish with ingredients you've never seen before and probably the number one sharing item: stories! Time is flying by when you tell and share the travel stories, adventures, memories... People often have many similar stories and experiences making you realize how everything can be connected. :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories and hopefully joy, fun and a good time together. I'm always looking forward to share thoughts and experiences and look to things from other perspectives.
Obviously also respects and gratitude to hosts and people I meet along my travels.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Portugal

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