Hi, my name is Laurens ('84) and I'm a 2.01m (6'7") trainer in (academic) leadership with a master in communication science. Friends describe me as rational, caring, friendly, thought-provoking, talkative, genuine, and even funny. I enjoy no-nonsense conversations about our beliefs, life choices and world views - in which I'm ever seeking for a good balance in being analytical/sceptical and trustful/naive.

AS A HOST: I like to welcome self-relient solo-travelers for a night or two. I usually work during the day and have spare time in the evenings, but when possible I like to play board/card games, play the piano together as well - or sing! I assume that during daytime you know how to entertain yourself :-) I do not own a car.

AS A GUEST: I hear from hosts they think of me as thankful, adaptable, and considerate. I also try to be flexible, to fit in and show my gratitude by helping around in the household. I rarely visit touristic attractions, rather I wander in city parks or squares to observe people, contemplate life, and write my thoughts and feelings down in my travel journal.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My first solo and first Couchsurf travel through California (october 2010) was the best abroad experience I've had in my life - made possible by fellow couchsurfers. Also interrailing though Europe (july 2012) and city hopping the US East Coast (april 2015) were a blast! :-)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Why one? For instance recording a cd with colleagues for charity (raised "well over $50" - haha), breaking my back in a bike traffic accident and still walking, almost falling off a cliff with a local bus in Nepal, a week-long retreat of not-eating in France, a moment of intense inner happiness in the middle of L.A. - and most recently moving to Amsterdam; just bought my very first own apartment! :-D

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you how to play chords at the piano, so you can easily accompany your own singing. I can show you lots of light and heavier board and card games (quite a few are in English). We can share our thoughts on philosophical topics. I can tell you about for instance conversation techniques and speedreading. I also like to explore people way of making choices, and identify what they value most when it comes to life choices.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Nepal, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Netherlands

•