Mike Fried

Who am I?

I am a New Yorker who has lived in Brno, Czech Republic since 2012. I live here with my lovely wife and our crazy Bohemian Shepherd, Myška. My insatiable thirst for travel has propelled me around the globe countless times, having visited more than 60 countries and lived in 7.

When I'm not working or traveling, I unwind in the kitchen. Nothing makes me happier than nailing an obscure dish inspired by a meal from one of my trips. I founded a foodie club here in Brno and regularly host or organize dinners.

While I don't travel as often as I used to, I broaden my horizons as much as I can. I love to read, mostly popular science and personal growth. I regularly take courses online as well.

My life here in Brno is nothing like my New York City lifestyle. How did this happen?

How I Ended up in Brno

I was born and raised in New York City and still believe it's the greatest city in the world. But around 2007/2008, I found myself at a crossroads, both personally and professionally. During my last couple of years there, I was an ambassador on the Couchsurfing social network (built to connect travelers with locals to experience the authentic vibe of a city instead of the tourist traps). I hosted more than 1,000 travelers from all over the world.

I took a break from work and decided to see what the world had to offer. I worked on farms, completed multi-week hikes in the wilderness, hitchhiked, and met people that I never would have encountered in my sheltered life back in New York.

I moved to Brno, planning to stay for just a few months. I had met some lovely Czechs during my travels and wanted to reconnect with them. Around the time I arrived in Brno, I started to feel the calling back to the professional world. That's when a former colleague asked me to join him on his new project.

If you asked 2011 Mike Fried what he thought the chances were of him staying in Brno, the answer would have been "slim to none." Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined this cozy city would be the right fit for me. But years of travel, unique people, and awe-inspiring experiences taught me that anything is possible.