Why I’m on Couchsurfing

It's the classic Couchsurfing tale... In November of 2015, I was laid off from a great job in the oil industry that I wasn't passionate about. I'm seeing this as an opportunity to travel. I'll be touring Ireland, the U.K. and (hopefully) Spain and Portugal before I look at a few serious job offers in September.

Before we get any further, let's address my lack of references and friends. I'm just starting out on CouchSurfing. I've stayed with two friends from previous travels and can put any host in touch with them to get a perspective on my stay.

I traveled a good chunk of Europe before: Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Ireland and Italy. As much as I like the zany characters you find in Hostels, I would like a more local experience of the cities I visit. That's why I've dusted off my Couchsurfing account and am openly planning my trip.

In order to travel five or six months, I ended my apartment lease and sold all the big items in my home, including my beloved leather couch. I want to host surfers in the future. That will have to come after I get settled back in the states.

Interests

Motorcycling, street art, delicious food, dancing (Texas two-step, swing dancing, salsa), and any form of self-improvement. I have high hopes for the last one on this trip. I imagine with all the time I'll spend on planes, trains, and automobiles, I'll have plenty of time to read, write, draw, and listen to podcasts.

Not to mention, sleep.

• arts
• street art
• dancing
• swing dancing
• dining
• cooking
• fitness
• traveling
• cars
• drawing
• podcasts
• emergency services

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In 2012, I was interning in Washington, D.C. as part of a study-abroad course. During that time, revolution called the 99 Percent was happening. In short, I found myself in the middle of an all-night protest between 99 Percenters and the Washington, D.C. police force. It was a completely peaceful protest--no use of force or aggression by either side. But to be in the middle of a revolution like that, to see a populace trying to change its stripes in a society that shunned it... To me, that qualifies as amazing.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Aside from sharing all the fun curse-words we use in Texas? Isn't that what everyone wants to learn across cultures?

I have a good foundation of health and fitness knowledge, so if that's a part of your life you would like to improve, I'll help you. Also, if you want to learn to dance the two-step or West coast swing, I'm happy to teach you and your friends.

Aside from that, I'm not afraid of getting my hands dirty. If you need a lawn mowed or some housework done, let me know. I like to keep a tidy place, and I'll happily help you with yours. I'm an okay cook but a top-notch dish washer. Just let me know what you're comfortable with.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Belize, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Northern Ireland

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States