I'm a bit of a geek and active traveler (i.e. exploring rather than lounging), with a passion for learning new languages and connecting with people from different cultures. I consider myself open minded; as long as you don't hurt others, you're free to do whatever you please with your life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I think Couchsurfing is a great opportunity to see places through the eyes of locals, to meet good people from around the world, and to show others the highlights of my own city/country.

Interests

Special interest: Japan. Other languages and cultures too, but that one in particular. I've studied it at uni in Leiden (NL) /Beppu (JP) and now teach it in Breda. Most of my free time is spent reading books, playing video games, watching movies, drawing and writing, - along with saving up for the next trip abroad.

• animals
• arts
• writing
• books
• cooking
• beer
• crafts
• movies
• video games
• reading
• traveling
• drawing
• bouldering
• magic
• guitar
• cycling
• hiking
• kayaking
• martial arts
• swimming
• history
• languages
• religion
• sightseeing
• nature
• maps
• boardgames
• cannabis
• go
• nfl

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: hardly listen to anything in particular, but like almost anything. Once upon a time I played some accoustic guitar...

Movies: fav genres are SF and thrillers that make me think, though I enjoy a comedy once in a while. Special mention goes to Star Wars, Interstellar, The Game, The Truman Show, The Invention of Lying.
Anime: Ghost in the Shell, Full Metal Alchemist, Code Geass, Rick & Morty

Books: Terry Prachett's Discworld novels (especially Thief of Time), Tales of the Otori trilogy, Origin, A Short History of Nearly Everything, Shogun, Broken Empire trilogy. At the moment (finally) reading a Game of Thrones.
Comics: Batman, Azumi, Hikaru no Go, Shokuryou Jinrui (Starving Anonymous)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The most amazing thing I have done so far is the 88 temple pilgrimage on Shikoku, Japan. It's a 1200 km circular walk around the island, attributed to the founder of Shingon (meaning "True Word") Buddhism.

Teach, Learn, Share

I could teach/share: Dutch, English or Japanese, the basics of Buddhism, karate/jujutsu/self defense, first aid (certified)

I would like to learn: a few words and phrases in whatever language you speak :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

(home cooked) Dutch food and snacks, along with recommendations on good local beer and/or sattiva/indica (^_^)"

I also have two kayaks out on the canal that you can use to take a tour around/through the city center.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Scotland, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, Netherlands, Viet Nam

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