CURRENT MISSION

Veni, Vidi, Vino. I came, I saw, I shared a bottle of wine." Bibo ergo sum. "Constantly searching for new mistakes to learn from."

ABOUT ME

Traveler and laugher. Some of my travels are here:

http://worldtravelswithlarry.blogspot.com/2011/04/rain-in-spain.html

I build houses for income, I film documentaries for passion and I travel for life. About five years ago, I discovered the island of St Maarten/ St. Martin in the Caribbean and it captured my heart. After 17 trips there, I still can't get enough. Someday it will be home.

I always thought of 'spontaneous' as a verb instead of an adjective, which explains volumes.

I prefer to think of myself as sardonic as opposed to sarcastic, (as defined by Cambridge with all due respect to Oxford), and if you know the difference we can have some great conversations. :-)

I have, on occasion, been known to howl at the moon. I used to be a coyote, but I'm alright nooooowwwwwwwww. :-)

I love a challenge. The quickest way to get me to do something is to look me in the eye and say, "Oh, you can't do that." And mean it. :-)

PHILOSOPHY

Far better is it to dare great things, than to join ranks with those poor timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. In other words, "Take a chance".

It's ok to make a mistake, just don't make the same mistake twice.

And of course...

"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The trouble-makers. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules and they have no respect for the status-quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify, or vilify them but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things. They push the human race forward and while some may see them as the crazy ones, others see genius because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world (one couch at a time :-), are the ones who do. "

Inspired by~ Jack Kerouac (an original couchsurfer....I swear, you can look it up :-)

based on:

The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes "Awww!"

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I met a couchsurfer on a flight to Cancun. He was on his way to couchsurf in Cuba. I was intrigued and decided to join.

Have surfed, hosted, and attended local Seattle CS events and have attended local meetings in places I've traveled to.

I tend to host in 'groups'. So if you put in a request and are accepted, there is the distinct possibility you will be enjoying the company of other travelers as well. It's been an amazing dynamic thus far. Many people have arrived as strangers with others and departed as friends meeting up later down the road.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I had my friend Steve sign up before I did and he had an incredible experience. He met amazing people, who I was fortunate to meet as well.

So far I have couch-surfed in San Francisco, Galicia region of Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Have hosted and also attended local CS Events in Seattle, San Francisco, Porto, Bologna and Barcelona meeting locals and travellers. Spectacular people all!!!!!!

Interests

Eclectic.

• documentaries
• wine
• beer
• boating
• traveling
• swimming

Music, Movies, and Books

I love international films, indie films and film festivals. Cell 211, The Women on the Sixth Floor, Le Placard, Nowhere in Africa, Slumdog Millionaire, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (original Swedish version), City of God, The Commitments, Angels in the Dust to name a few. And for non-foreign, The Hangover, The Bucket List, The Fighter, Star Trek (loved the new one), Galaxy Quest (never give up, never surrender), Les Mes, The Sandlot (you're killin me Smalls...), Chicago, Mama Mia, Shawshank Redemption, Finding Forrester, The Princess Bride, Casablanca (I'm shocked, shocked to learn there's gambling going on here. Your winnings sir. Thank you.), The Messenger (with all due respect to the Academy it was better than The Hurt Locker)... The Lincoln Lawyer, tons more. My Ipod has everything from country to hip hop, and is heavy on Jimmy Buffett, but I love to dance and I'll dance badly to anything. :-) Just finished reading The Art of Racing in the Rain (excellent) and Sara Gruen's Ape House, (it was as good as Water For Elephants) and The Help by Kathryn Stockett (brilliant!!!). Grisham's Playing for Pizza, (read every Grisham book) Hemmingway, The Old Man and the Sea, Harry Potter series, Snow Falling on Cedars, Steinbeck's Travels with Charlie, Kerouac "On the Road", The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay (excellent).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Today's sunrise and last night's sunset. Especially after I had to swim 40 minutes to get to shore in 42 degree (6 degree celcius) water after a fatal boat accident 15 years ago.

On a lighter note, I set the Oregon state record for watermelon seed spitting at the Oregon State Fair in Salem. 34 feet 7 inches. (Approx. 11 meters) If you can outspit me, I'll buy you a beer or two. I am a professional blowhard. :-)

Teach, Learn, Share

Everyday I learn something from someone and I realize I actually know less than I thought I did the day before. Which makes me want to meet more people and learn more.

I can teach you to make great crepes and peanut butter cookies.

I love learning a new language. Teach me your language and I'll follow you anywhere to learn it. :-) I might even pay for the trip, or at least buy the meal and the wine.

Countries I’ve Visited

Anguilla, Aruba, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, China, Cuba, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, United States

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