I've been born, raised, schooled, and now work in the Minnesota Twin Cities area. I have come to appreciate the culture of these cities, and the opportunities they offer, but travel remains a top priority for me. In my day-to-day, I administer a small business, so in my off time I try to reach out and connecting with new/old friends. Over time, I have come to value the reciprocated sharing of life experiences more, but I do still enjoy games/films/ect...
Between work and HEMA, I will not be home too much, but if I'm hosting, I will be sure to set aside some time.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Traveling abroad has always been the most effective way to distinguish the experiences that are important, from those that are mealy comfortable. When I compare a week of travel to a week at home, it reminds me how important it is to life simply, so I have the ability to travel extensively, and without friction. In those time periods when I can't do so myself, I am happy to help others do so via Couchsurfing. I want to financially support the unique goals of Couchsurfing, and support the community by hosting at least twice as often as I am hosted.

Interests

• cooking
• history
• philosophy
• political science
• travel
• cinema
• computer games
• boardgames
• hema

Music, Movies, and Books

Films: The Departed, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Dark Swan and Gran Torino.

Books: Most of my reading is academic, or historical (for HEMA).
Currently, I'm finishing Dierk Hagedorn's transition of Johannes Liechtenauer's Longsword system. Next up is Guy Windsor's translation and commentary on the Fiore dei Liberi's Longsword system. Before I got into HEMA, I was reaching Immanual Kant's Critique of Pure Reason, and some assorted poetry.

The podcast’s I listen to tend to come and go, but these are some that have kept my interest for a long time:
-Making Sense, Sam Harris
-Dan Carlin’s Hard Core History (Addendum), and Common Sense
-99% Invisible, Roman Mars
-Five Thirty Eight Politics Podcast
-Fencing by the Book
-Rational Reminder

Music: I have always liked classical instrumental music (below are long time favs), but have recently taken an interest in folk music and electro swing (I don't know why).
-Bach's Concerto No.1 in A Minor for Violin and Strings
-Pachelbel's Canon in D Major (literally any instruments)
-Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante in E-Flat Major for Violin, Viola, and Orchestra

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

When I was 16 years old, I joined around 30 others on a guided road trip around the United States, starting and ending in Atlanta, Georgia. We visited 22 cities in 36 days, learning about the history of each city, and meeting with left, right, and alt political advocates. We also explored museums, national parks, and city centers, which is probably what first gave me the travel bug.

Teach, Learn, Share

While I'm not as well versed as I wish I was, I am always inviting to conversations about history, philosophy, or politics, particularly from my international guests. I'm not a grate cook, but I'm be happy to show my guest/hosts the few things I think I do know how to make well. I studied math and stats (via R code), so those with that niche interest will be in luck. Lastly (and least boring of which), I've been doing HEMA (longsword fencing) since September 2020, so those interested can observe a class, as my guest.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I would “Teach, Learn, and Share” as mention elsewhere, but additionally I would be honored to cook at least once (if allowed), and provide a small gift to reciprocate the generosity of any host that will open their homes to me. For those hosts with too many obligations to offer their time, I would be equally grateful, and invisible as needed.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Israel, Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States