Hi I'm Dino. It's nice to meet you.

I'm from the UK but i haven't lived there since 2018. As of now I have been to around 20 different countries. It's not as many as some couch-surfers, but I try to hit a few new ones every year.

I first left the UK with plans of travelling for at least 2 years. Things didn't go exactly to plan because I wound up in Vietnam and loved it so much I stayed for 5 years. I became an English teacher and taught primary-aged students in schools and private lessons. While I was there I got to see more of Asia and learn a bit of Vietnamese. I was there for COVID, but that didn't stop me from travelling in the country I called my new home.

After 5 years in Vietnam I am now ready to move on with plan A (travelling the world) and my next destination is Australia. I have the working holiday visa secured, I'm just taking my time to get there right now.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

When I travel I always want to form deeper connections with local people. The appeal of travelling solo is that it leaves me open to make new friends and try new experiences.

In the past, I have had a lot of great experiences as a volunteer. I find it is much more rewarding to contribute to a place than to just be tourist. I see Couchsurfing as no different.

I hope I can use Couchsurfing to make new friends and form a greater attachment to the countries I visit.

Interests

I am an artist and an illustrator. I would call myself more of an artist these days as I mostly make work that I want to make and don't often take clients. Still, I do take on a commission when I get the chance sometimes. In my photos is a picture of a mural I painted recently Cat Ba island (of Vietnam). It was my first mural but I am very proud of my work and hope I can do many more.

If you want to check out my art on Instagram, you can find me @dinocarobene.

Whenever I'm in a city I first seek out art galleries and art spaces. I would love it if I could have someone to check these places out with.

I try to keep myself active by hiking and getting outdoors. I love climbing both indoors and outdoors, but must admit I have to limit my level of challenge since a wrist injury. Now I am trying to get more into yoga, but I am still a beginner.

Very recently I completed my 2nd Vipassana meditation retreat and then immediately spent 2 months at a meditation center in South Korea as a volunteer. I'm trying to keep meditation a consistent habit in my life.

• hiking
• art
• cinema
• illustration
• urban exploring
• litrature
• cooking together

Music, Movies, and Books

People often ask me what kind of art I do, and I find that answer difficult to answer. I think it would be clear from looking at my Instagram that I love fantasy, sci-fi and horror. I love movies, especially those with deep and complex ideas that get you thinking and open you up to discussion. That doesn't mean I'm a snob though (I hope not), and I can enjoy a good popcorn movie too.

I am pretty open to any kind of music, especially when it's live. I'd love to share my tastes and have my mind opened to new genres or ones that I haven't had a fair introduction to.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I feel very happy with so many of the things I've done since leaving the UK. I've got to say one of the most challenging but rewarding things was wild-camping alone in Northern Mongolia.

Teach, Learn, Share

If you need help practising English I have a lot of experience there (not only teaching children). Otherwise, we can collaborate on some art together. If you have a wall and some time maybe we can paint a mural together.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I will be as helpful as I need to be with food, household tasks and cleaning up after myself.
I can also cook a few meals using few ingredients.

I can share conversation and stories. If anyone needs any English language help I can help with that too.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Laos, Malaysia, Malta, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Viet Nam