Hi everyone, my name is Ali and I'm from Bahrain!

I'm love learning about other cultures, food, books, singing, dancing, and of course travelling. I'm also super liberal and open-minded, so am looking to meet up with all kinds of people.

One of my biggest passions is also language learning. I speak English (native), Arabic (advanced), and Hindi (beginner) so if you speak any of these I'd love to practice with you.

In terms of work, I'm a researcher focused on migrant and labour rights globally. So if you have an interest in politics or current affairs I'm your guy. :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing because I want to truly understand a country and its culture when I visit, and not simply go to the main touristy sights and leave. I want to discover what its really like to live and be from a place, and get to know the hidden gems. And of course, I want to meet new people from around the world and make new friends. :)

Interests

• culture
• singing
• dancing
• politics
• guitar
• history
• languages
• art
• food
• current affairs
• songwriting

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: Before Sunset, Before Sunrise, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Earthlings, Harry Potter (Noor's movies: Shrek, Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, Twilight)

Books: James Baldwin, Arundhati Roy, Ursula K. Le Guin, Haruki Murakami, George R.R. Martin

TV shows: Friends, Schitt's Creek, Community, Game of Thrones, Modern Family, Homeland

Music: Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos, Alanis Morissette, Fleet Foxes, Beach House, Kate Bush, PJ Harvey, Fiona Apple

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The achievement or experience I'm most proud of is acting in a play in Edinburgh about the refugee crisis, and meeting refugees from around the world so I can help tell their story to audiences.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you some traditional Bahraini recipes, as well as some Arabic phrase! I'd love for you to teach me some local phrases and maybe even a recipe from your cuisine.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'd love to share more about Bahrain and the Middle East with my host, including some recipes for a Bahraini breakfast, which is quite unique. :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Croatia, England, Estonia, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Bahrain, United Kingdom