I’m Hakan, a curious soul who believes life is best experienced through meeting new people, exploring cultures, and sharing stories (preferably over good food). My motto in life is, “I am a rainbow drawn by a black pencil”—vibrant, full of color, but with depth and mystery.

Born and raised in the sunny south of Türkiye, I’ve traveled and lived in Denmark, Belgium, The Netherlands, Canada, and China—so you could say I’m collecting countries like some people collect fridge magnets.

When I’m not working as a researcher, you’ll find me dancing salsa, experimenting in the kitchen (don’t worry, it’s usually edible), or trying to capture the perfect photo of a sunset. I love a good laugh, deep conversations, and adventures that come with getting lost in new cities.

If you're up for swapping travel stories or just need someone who’s really good at finding the best local coffee spots, I’m your guy. Let’s make some great memories!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m on Couchsurfing because I believe life is too short not to meet amazing people, hear their stories, and experience the beautiful diversity of this world. For me, traveling isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about discovering the worlds within the world: unique cultures, personal ideas, and that one-of-a-kind originality that makes every person and place special.

I’m a humanist at heart and believe in the power of friendship to make the world a better place (or at least make it more fun!). I love sitting down with strangers who soon become friends, sharing laughs, thoughts, and sometimes a questionable attempt at cooking local dishes.

Being on CS gives me the chance to connect with people who think differently, live differently, and have stories that challenge and inspire me. Whether it’s dancing salsa with locals, learning a new phrase in another language, or just debating the best pizza topping (spoiler: it’s always extra cheese), I love the human connections that Couchsurfing makes possible.

Interests

I’m a jack of many hobbies and a master of... well, having fun with them! I love capturing life’s beauty through photography, whether it’s a stunning sunset or a fish I caught while perfecting my (sometimes) lucky fishing skills. My classical guitar is my go-to for unwinding, though my neighbors might not call it "classical" after my third attempt at improvisation.

Movies are my escape, Salsa is my rhythm, and scuba diving is my underwater adventure—because who doesn’t want to feel like a fish (but with better gear)? I’m also starting the gym soon, not just to lose weight but to add a little muscle to my Salsa moves—I hear a strong core makes for a smoother spin!

• photography
• movies
• traveling
• guitar
• fishing
• scuba diving
• swimming

Music, Movies, and Books

I’m a total film buff! Give me an out-of-the-box scenario, and I’m hooked. Some of my all-time favorites are Amélie, Mr. Nobody, The Fifth Element, Red Violin, and, of course, The Matrix.

When it comes to books... well, let’s just say being a researcher means I already read more than enough during work hours (hello, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics!). So, if I had to choose a favorite, it would be Introduction to Heat Transfer—a real page-turner!

As for music, my playlist is as diverse as my interests. I love the rhythm of Salsa, the beauty of classical guitar, and occasionally losing myself in some electronic beats. Basically, anything that keeps me inspired or dancing is good enough for me!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I once jumped off a 10-meter mini-mountain into the sea like a fearless adventurer. These days, I might just stick to cannonballs from the pool edge—but the spirit’s still there!

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach:
- Basic classical guitar: From strumming your first chords to simple melodies.
- SLR photography: Tips for capturing great shots, whether it’s composition or playing with light. You can check out some of my photos on DeviantArt—my profile nickname is WorldsInWorld!

Learn:
- Improving my photography skills to turn a hobby into an art form.
- Advancing in scuba diving (currently CMAS 1-star certified) and exploring more underwater adventures.
- Perfecting my Latin dance moves, especially Salsa—always up for a dance partner or a tip to make spins smoother!

Share
- Ideas, experiences, and good vibes. Whether it’s stories about travel, tips for hobbies, or just a laugh over new adventures, I love connecting with people who inspire growth and fun!

What I Can Share with Hosts

At the very least, my friendship and good vibes!

I love sharing stories, laughter, and meaningful conversations.

From my last visit to China, I brought some small gifts—limited in numbers, so hurry up to host me! 😊

I can also cook a meal, share photography tips, or play a tune on the guitar to make our time together special.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belarus, Belgium, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Japan, Netherlands, Poland, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates

Countries I’ve Lived In

Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, Turkey

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