I'm not exactly a newbie but in my first half year I only checked the threads on the cat board.

I read all the time, even in the bathroom with Filou on my shoulder and brushing my teeth (you will notice there is still one hand for a book).
Among my favourites are (from serious to not-too serious) Thomas Mann, Charles Dickens, Joseph Conrad, Sue Grafton, Sara Paretsky, Elizabeth George, Tad Williams.

I like to travel.
Have been to US/Canada West Coast, Mexico, France, Belgium, Finland, Sweden, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Morocco.
Would like to see all the other.

I go to dance classes (Jazz and Hiphop) twice a week and like to hike an to treck in the Alps in summertime. Unfortunately I have not as much time as I'd like for kayaking.