Hello from Bruce and Nelson. We moved back to Charleston, South Carolina from Ramstein, Germany in November 2022. I am from the hills of east Kentucky, and Nelson is from the beautiful Philippine islands.

ABOUT US
Friends to lovers. We met as friends in 2011 on line. A 2014 earthquake relief mission together in the Philippines drew us closer. We convinced the US Customs and Immigration Service that we were really into each other. In Feb 2015, Nelson imigrated to the US, and we got married 2 days later. We have been happily living life together ever since. Here in the historic Charleston, South Carolina area we enjoy gardening, cooking and entertaining at home, as well as hanging out with friends and showing guests our beautiful city.

We took a break from Charleston to work in England and Germany from 2018 to 2022. Just before our move to England, we became guardians and dads to two teen brothers from Indonesia: Giovanni was 16; Nicholas was 13. Sadly their dad (a close friend of mine for years) had passed away with lymphoma in 2017. Before he died, he asked me to take care of his boys to make sure they got a good education. Their mom and I are as close as brother and sister too, so she trusted us. The changes were not easy, but the boys have done well. We are proud of them. Giovanni is now in the US Air Force. Nicholas is a high school graduate and is now living with his brother. I believe Nelson and I did a good job as dads to these guys.

PHILOSOPHY
Don't worry about things not in your control.
Be helpful, kind and thoughtful.
"Live true to yourself and keep smiling."
-Bruce

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING
We are travelers who enjoy a simple life. Meeting people in their cultures is much more rewarding than seeing resorts and hotels. We have also opened our homes to so many great people from all over the world. Our hometown of Charleston, South Carolina is a beautiful, historic place to visit.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE
My first experience was in the Philippine islands at the end of December 2011. I was hosted by the Collado family in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. I was also a guest of Michi in Vienna, Austria in September 2012. Michi is still my sweet friend who is my hiking partner when I'm in Austria. In Bratislava, Slovakia, I met up with CS friends for a day trip. In Jakarta, Indonesia, my visit involved traditional foods, seeing the National Monument (Monas Tower), exploring Taman Mini, and visiting 3 local schools where students and staff loved showing me around and taking pictures. I loved teaching an impromptu English lesson with 4 kids at a Jakarta Kindergarten. I was spoiled by a wonderful Indonesian host, and I also found myself learning much, and making great friends along the way. Amazing adventures.

Interests

These are a few of our favorite things: Top interests include hosting, traveling, photography, gardening, cooking, socializing, outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, camping, fishing. We enjoy playing cards and board games with friends and family. Chocolate is a joy in life I'd rather not deny myself of. We also enjoy wine occasionally.

If you ever have an opportunity to visit us at home, you will know that we are non-judgmental and drama-free. Home is also a place where clothing is optional, nudity is ok and functional, not a sexual thing. Whether you are into naturism or not, you are welcome at our place. Just be respectful. All views and walks of life are valued here, as long as there is kindness and respect.

We are polyamorous-minded. We're not hunting for another partner, but if it happens naturally over time, why not!? More love to share and enjoy.

Nelson is into running. I prefer good hikes or biking. Kayaking is fun too.

• culture
• books
• photography
• environment
• cooking
• recipes
• gardening
• traveling
• socializing
• outdoor activities
• fishing
• hiking
• kayaking
• camping
• philosophy
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

SHORT BUS! Everyone should try to face their fears; especially therapists.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I did a 3-day, 25-mile hike into the Grand Canyon, on the Hermit's Rest Trail and Montezuma Trail in April 2010. Grueling and amazing! I would do it again.
I love the Philippines ... and have explored 10 of its 17 regions. I can't wait to see more of this tropical paradise.
I love Europe too. I have had the privilege of visiting 19 European countries, and living in two of them: England and Germany.

Teach, Learn, Share

Respectful, open-minded and adventurous people are the most pleasant to be around. Let's share and learn from each other.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Whenever we are free to host, meeting and helping new friends brings us joy. We offer comfort, freedom and peace. However, we are not a hotel. Come to our home to connect with us. Don't use us as just a place to stay.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Germany, United States