https://vendelin.org

ABOUT ME

I've used to be a self-publishing photographer. Started as pro in 1988, shooting for the Associated Press. Then continued into tourism-oriented publishing (books, calendars, postcards, etc.). Most of the surfers' references refer to this time.

In 2010 I've changed into the IT field, working as Linux/UNIX system engineer, Perl programmer and all-around IT-infrastructure manager. In 2012 I've moved to KA, and so far enjoy my life here.

PHILOSOPHY

There are no unlucky people, but there's a lot of people not prepared for their luck.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

The most efficient thing done so far is introducing the CS concept to my employees, most of whom are school or university students. It is the best to teach by example, so I just try to be a good host. Since the hosting location is part of my office, I inevitably have to answer the question "Who are those funny dudes who've come to live here?"

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

It's funny that I have used a similar method for getting a free couch (sometimes even conditionally-free helicopter flights) in pre-Internet era while travelling as a freelance photojournalist in places like Turkmenia, Tuwa, Sakhalin, Kamchatka, etc.

Interests

Photography. Well, I'm somewhat tired with that, but I certainly can share some advice should you ask for it.
Tennis.
Classic cars - spectating rather than collecting :).
Programming.
Spanish art.
Chess.

Music, Movies, and Books

I absolutely adore "Object-Oriented Perl" by Damian Conway!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Bribing a Russian traffic policeman, and getting change in Estonian krones.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach photography.

In fact, my employees make a good use of "everyone's a student and everyone's a teacher" thing. Since we work with tourists directly, it is crucial to be able to speak as many languages as possible. We conduct regular training for our salespersons, who often are students on one day and teachers on the other. Should you wish to entertain yourself by participating in our "field classes", you are most welcome.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Colombia, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Mauritania, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russian Federation, Senegal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Western Sahara

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belarus, Colombia, Estonia, Germany, Russian Federation, Spain

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