I'm a physical therapist working and living in the DMV. As with nearly all of the members of this community, solo travel is a passion of mine--primarily because it provides one with the opportunity to get to know spectacular human beings from all across the globe. To me, a city is a city...but the people you find in a city are what makes it beautiful, and discovering something new with new friends amplifies the joy of travel.
When at home, I try to find as much time as possible to dedicate to creativity. I spend a lot of time with my guitar and play primarily solo fingerstyle but love the opportunity to play with a group or in sing alongs. I like to paint (oils, but am learning watercolors in the interest of finding a medium with shorter drying time ;D ), draw, write (some prose, but mostly poems, lots of them, but don't worry, I won't recite them to you ;) ), dance (swing, blues, balboa--I also spent a couple years dancing argentine tango, but it's been a while since I've been to a milonga), and cooking. Cooking is probably the art I practice most frequently (and the one that can most easily be shared and appreciated with and by friends and family).
I've had the privilege of visiting many cities, but feel most at home in the mountains, and much of my travel as of late has focused on opportunities to hike in the Alps and other mountain ranges.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet new people! Traveling solo is never lonely if you have couchsurfing. I've found and made so many new friendships through this website.

Interests

As a PT, I'm intensely interested in the human body, performance, and recovery. Don't be offended if you catch me watching how you walk :P
Hiking is my sport. Being on the East Coast of the US has its perks, and the Shenandoah and Appalachian Trail are just a short drive from my home. I'm an avid reader of classic literature and poetry. I love traditional and folk music of all kinds, especially Americana and bluegrass. I play the guitar and mandolin. I most enjoy conversation and exploration of other minds, sometimes over (several) glasses of beer. Trained and worked as an archaeologist for several years, so I have a strong interest in history, languages, and material culture.

• culture
• literature
• poetry
• dancing
• wine
• beer
• painting
• music
• folk music
• guitar
• blues
• hiking
• backpacking
• mountaineering
• archeology
• history
• languages
• swing
• balboa

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite genre is, at the moment, horror. Some favorite books of mine are: The Magus (Fowles); The Terror (Simmons). Favorite poets: Philip Larkin; Ted Hughes.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I danced with Bill Nye (the science guy (twice!)).
I hikes the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: Exercise, stretching, yoga, cooking.
Learn: Language, history, new perspectives.
Share: Food, drink, empathy :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

Good conversation, a polite, quiet guest!
A home-cooked meal.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahamas, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Philippines, South Korea, United States