Retired military officer living in downtown Baltimore and working as a government civilian for the military. My wife and I just moved back to the US after an amazing 5 years in Europe. We enjoy getting out to hike, ski, travel, and try new things like salsa and blues dancing. Looking forward to having my sons, friends, and surfer's visit after we get the guest bedroom situated.
I'm pretty busy during the week, but don't mind grabbing a beer/wine, dinner, or just hanging out talking at the house. I spent 27 years in the military so have some interesting perspectives on the world from my travels and occupation. For fun and service to the community, I am a disaster volunteer with Team Rubicon.
Linked in profile: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-standish

Philosophy(s): "Life is short, eat dessert first"; "live and let live"; "live life to the fullest"; "seek to grow and learn, always", "smiles and joy are contagious"; "your vibe attracts your tribe"

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I met so many amazing people on the Pacific Crest Trail and figured, since I’ve just moved back to the US, I’d like to meet more folks by opening my home. I look forward to hearing and telling stories! I have a lot of interests and always like to hear about what other people think.

Interests

Hiking, cycling, fly fishing, skiing, reading, games, dancing

• dancing
• coffee
• reading
• music
• cycling
• hiking
• scuba diving
• swimming
• travel
• weightlifting
• military
• fly fishing
• military history
• thru-hiking

Music, Movies, and Books

Music- Rock, Jazz, Country, shoot just about all genres; I've found myself listening to the Blues and Jazz more lately;

Books=love; I enjoy science fiction, history, biographies, cognitive development; currently reading/audiobooking Trust, Center of Gravity, Seasons of Marriage.

Movies- I like Sci-Fi, drama, last movie I watched was Oppenheimer.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I thru hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (4260km!) the summer of 2018. Was an amazing life altering journey!

Teach, Learn, Share

Stories, English practice, and just having a good conversation. I love outdoor activities and can talk from experience about long-distance hiking. I have pretty eclectic interests and enjoy a good conversation. In the never stop learning category, I've started lessons in Blues dancing and am looking at trying rock climbing and paragliding in the next few months.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Experiences, English practice, a meal (cook or buy), and good conversation!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Oman, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, Iraq, Saudi Arabia