Hi there! I'm Gary, an easygoing and friendly person who loves meeting new people from all over the world. Though I'm a bit older, I'm young at heart and always up for some fun and good conversation. I'm caring, considerate, and respectful, always making sure everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Looking forward to sharing great experiences and creating lasting memories together!

I generally avoid making rules because Couchsurfing should be built on mutual respect and consideration. I expect this from every guest I host, just as I live by these principles when I’m a guest myself somewhere. However, due to some recent experiences, I would like to share a short list of guidelines for staying with me:

1. Please send a personal request mentioning why you would like to stay with me.
2. Let me know your approximate arrival and departure times, and how long you plan to stay.
3. I am very generous until I feel exploited. So please, don't be a freeloader and don't take everything that is
offered to you for granted. Couchsurfing is about sharing, so please try to give something back.
4. Keep things tidy, stay polite, and make yourself at home!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love meeting people from all corners of the globe, exploring new places and cultures, and sharing everything I know and cherish with others.

Interests

I adore photography, languages and exploring new countries and cultures. I am always eager to learn new things and like to share my interests with others.

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Alternative Rock, Punk Rock, Rock, Classic Rock, Grunge, Classical Music, World Music, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, electronic music.

Films: If I post all my favourite movies here, the list would be endless. So, just ask me. ;) I like mainstream as well as alternative movies and documentaries. I have a huge movie collection!

Books: I love reading travel writing and cassic literature. My favourite novels are Tess of the D'Urbervilles, Jude the Obscure, The World of Yesterday, 20000 Leagues Under the Sea, Around the World in 80 Days, Anne Frank's Diary, the works of Michel Houellebecq and books about photographers, photography and filmmaking. Lately, I unfortunately haven't found the time to read as I probably work too much. :-)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One amazing thing? There are many!

I did an internship on a farm in Romania in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
I embarked on a road trip through all the balkan countries in 2019.
I undertook a 2-month Interrail journey through 10 European countries at the age of 42 in 2023.
I submitted a Super 8 short film to a film festival in Switzerland and didn't come in last place.

Teach, Learn, Share

I’d be delighted to teach you some German. Austrian dialect and English. As a native of Graz I can offer you an insider's perspective on the city and the country, including local spots and hidden gems that typical tourists might miss.

Moreover, I’m well-acquainted with Slovenia and its charming capital, Ljubljana. I go there very often. I can guide you through the best places to visit, share fascinating insights about the region, and help you navigate this beautiful country with ease.

If you’re interested in photography, I can also show you how to capture stunning images and develop analog film. Plus, I’m happy to share my passion and knowledge about photography, music, and movies. Let’s make the most of our time together! 🙂

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can offer my sense of humor (watch out, it's pretty dark!) lessons in German or the Austrian dialect, whether you're interested in learning the basics or diving into regional nuances. With my knowledge of both digital and analog photography, I’m happy to share tips on capturing the perfect shot and developing film.

I also have plenty of interesting stories from my travels around the world, and I’d love to share these adventures with you. To add a local touch, I can bring some Kernöl and chocolate from my region in Austria for you to enjoy. Additionally, I’m a good listener and always open to helping people in need. Looking forward to sharing these experiences with you!

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Austria, Romania