Mingalar bar!

I'm a researcher who loves checking out cheap flight tickets to explore the blue planet as much as I can. I grew up without knowing the existence of a 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 the border.

Unfortunately, the country has once again closed its border for many of us who are subject to inhuman persecution 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 of a brighter future.

Instagram: @tminnx_

It sucks to hold one of the weakest passports in the world but I’m optimistic that, through studying, work and serendipities, I will get to see what our blue planet looks like outside my tiny room. Cheers to making friends with strangers “one couch at a time.” ✌️

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I travel mostly solo with 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.

Since I have my private room, I can start hosting CSers again. However, my room is tiny and it’s better suited for solo travelers who just need to use the room for rest after long hours of exploring the city during the daytime.

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. !!! I lost count of the number of rejections I made because people do not pay attention to the whole profile. I am sure most of those are super nice people but I’d instantly reject them for fear of miscommunication somewhere down the line.

Also, as I will be in Japan for the foreseeable future, I'd like to couchsurf throughout the 47 prefectures of Japan. You are more than welcome to stay at my place if you have a similar passion and can host me somewhere in Japan.

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

In the near future, I really want to visit Central and South America since I have never been there. I am a terrible learner for new languages but I hope I can master some basic Spanish before embarking on the journey there 😄

• 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 did my master’s at 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