Hi! I'm Yongsong, currently a practice trainee at a law firm in Singapore. Outside of work, I'm an avid reader, coffee enthusiast, recreational scuba-diver and amateur pianist.

I grew up deeply immersed in narratives from Chinese history and folklore. I found myself especially enthralled by the stories of heroism, strategy and wit in the 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms', which most likely influenced my early interests in politics and international relations. A favourite childhood pastime of mine was devouring daily newspapers from cover to cover, going down Wikipedia rabbit holes to learn about world history and famous figures, and zooming about on Google Maps to explore the geographical boundaries between different states and territories.

My 20s thus far has been a rollercoaster ride. Before starting college, I went from coordinating Singapore's air defence as an Air Force operations specialist to chaperoning students as a high school relief teacher. In college, I lived in Jerusalem for a few months as part of a student exchange programme, where I had the opportunity to visit almost every corner of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories: from Eilat to the Golan Heights, Sderot to Nablus. After graduating, I backpacked to Timor-Leste and stayed there for a month, journeying far to the remote beaches of Jaco Island and diving deep along the pristine coral walls of Atauro.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As a huge believer in travelling like a local, I find Couchsurfing to be the best way to gain a deep understanding of the places I travel to, and experience them in the most authentic way possible. At the same time, I hope to show visitors to Singapore that there is so much more to the city than its artificial facade (of Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Changi Jewel), if time permits.

Interests

• photography
• coffee
• running
• politics
• classical music
• piano
• swimming
• history
• law
• philosophy
• volunteering
• football
• biking
• jazz music
• international politics
• bookshops
• entrepeneurship

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Classical, Jazz, Indie Rock, Mandopop
Movies: Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Farewell
Books: Technofeudalism by Yanis Varoufakis, 孽子/Crystal Boys by 白先勇/Pai Hsien-yung, 青蛙/Frog by 贾平凹/Jia Pingwa

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Travelling to the ruins of Aphrodisias in Turkiye alone using only local public transportation.

Teach, Learn, Share

If you're interested to learn more about Singapore, I'm happy to share more about Singapore society, politics, law and culture.
Also if you don't already know how to make filter coffee using the V60 method, I can try to teach you if you're keen (though I must confess I'm still not quite satisfied with my own skills).

What I Can Share with Hosts

Sweets or snacks from Singapore!
I can share the cost for food and transport arrangements, and happy to help out with some chores.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Palestine, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Singapore