I'm an an interesting mix of appreciating continuity - was with same company for 20 years, and embracing change - I've had over 36 home addresses. I've traveled to 20 countries, some of which I stayed for extended stays of several months. I began traveling as a child and have not stopped. I'm currently re-educating myself before I start this next phase of my life, being an independent professional using my NLP training, whether it be personal or professional coaching and training. I read a lot, swim when I can, bike when I can, and prefer walking city streets to taking a cab or public transit. Although born in Montreal, I spent most of my younger life in Toronto before moving to Winnipeg, Houston, Jacksonville, and finally, Hollywood FL, (near Ft-Lauderdale). I'm single, was married and divorced once, engaged a couple of other times, but have lived mostly either on my own or with roommates. I have a close group of friends that live in Hollywood, Fl, and then a bunch of really good friends all over the world. My profile may seem a little serious, but I'm a very easy going person who likes to find the lighter side of life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I like meeting interesting people and I'm a natural host. I like to travel and like people who travel. Although I haven't hosted anyone yet, and won't be able to do so till later this year or next, I expect to make some very nice friends in the coming years. In the meantime, I'm traveling up the east coast back to Toronto from Florida, then across the continent to Vancouver and then to Santa Cruz, where I will be staying for 6 weeks. And then thinking of going to Europe and Asia. Wherever I end up, it will sure to be interesting and I will be so happy to pay-it-forward!

Interests

I like philosophy, good books, good movies, and good food. I'm currently enrolled at the NLPU this summer to extend my knowledge of this area of interest, which will enable me to take my career and personal life to new levels. I recently starting learning how to play bass and have been playing at open mice supporting a singer/songwriter friend of mine.

• arts
• writing
• books
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• coffee
• walking
• movies
• traveling
• blogging
• cycling
• swimming
• tourism

Music, Movies, and Books

I always have trouble pinpointing specific music that I like due to having such eclectic musical tastes. I wish I was going to the Gathering of the Vibes music festival this year, but alas, will be on the West coast instead of the east. I like acoustic music, primarily roots americana such as Donna the Buffalo. Some of my favorite bands are Wilco, Flaming Lips, Porcupine Tree. I really enjoy documentaries, especially about musicians such as Jimmy Hendrix, the Doors, and yes, even Frank Zappa (what a genius!) I'm part of a Meet UP group that focuses on seeing foreign art films. Although I like mainstream, seeing the unusual is always a treat. Books - I grew up getting into heavy sic-fi and read all the classics - but have migrated to non-fictional books over that past 10 years, mostly in the field of NLP, anything by Robert Dilts or Richard Bandler. I like alternative news sources such as The Mind Unleashed, Wake Up World. I don't watch TV, but I'm subscribed to NetFlix to get my dose of shows I like - one of my favorites is Lie to Me. And who doesn't like Breaking Bad! Well, I suppose not everyone.... :)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I survived a solo trip going from New Delhi to Dharamshala by train, plane, bike and automobile. I got off the train in the morning in a small village and found myself on the back of a tricycle, being taken to a bus that would take me to my main destination. Just getting the overnight train ticket was an adventure in of itself. Its a good story to tell over a glass of wine or cup of coffee.

Teach, Learn, Share

As mentioned, I'm currently involved in learning and using NLP - Neuro-Linguistic-Programming - the study of the structure of our subjective experience. I know, a mouthful. :) Simply put, I like helping people be the best they can be. I'm embarked on a new journey of self-discovery by writing every day, and looking to set up a travel blog (with a twist - still working on theme).

What I Can Share with Hosts

Myself. I know, that's quite broad. I hope my hosts find my travel stories interesting and if anyone plays an instrument, we can jam! I wish to perfect the art of the appetizer, and will want to help cook (if hosts wish to stay in to eat). I'm also willing to share my knowledge and in some cases, I'm prepared to guide participants through mindful processes to help them achieve a better state of mind. I'm also quite open minded, so having childish fun is really cool too! Sharing a good conversation, smiling a lot, finding laughter in songs and stories are all things I am willing to share.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Martinique, Mexico, Netherlands, Pakistan, Philippines, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Pakistan, United States