NOTE: Have repeatedly attempted to verify my government ID under CS's new app, but it does not work. Despite emails back and forth to the CS tech guys, they have yet to solve the issue. I've been here forever, not sure why now they make everyone jump through hoops again.

Update July 2023: Planning a cross country driving trip to Idaho to visit a dark skies park in mid-August. Would love to connect with locals along the way and back, so if in IL, IA, NE, KS, CO, UT or WY, say hello and let's get food! Attending Lollapalooza and Riot Fest music festivals in Chicago in August and September, and back up in Chicago in November and December. Also considering hosting dinner parties for local hosts in my area. If this sounds like something that might interest you, I'd appreciate someone to bounce ideas off.

I have been involved with the Couchsurfing community for eight years now. I've hosted five times, and been hosted nine. All wonderful experiences. I have also met fellow travelers and shared hotel rooms when we are both in and area where there are no available hosts. It's like surfing and hosting at the same time, but neither one of you have to clean the bathroom. Love to share space and meet a variety of people wherever that may be!

Christian. Father. Redhead. Overthinker. Capeless superhero. I'm not sure if you can change your basic nature. I have always been rather introverted, yet I'm discovering that isn't my basic nature. Couchsurfing has brought to the surface the fact I have more extrovert tendencies than I knew, and they flourish when I travel and meet new people. I'll always be thankful for my couchsurfing experiences for helping me discover that new part of myself.

I am also a Couchsurfing purist. I participate in the community for the social connections. When traveling, I'd rather hang with the locals than with the tourists. I'm not seeking to simply avoid spending money on a hotel, and I don't host people with similar motives. Most of the hosts that were not purist have already moved on to Airbnb, so I like that the smaller community still remaining is more committed. Less quantity, but more quality.

Graduate of Purdue University with an emphasis in Constitutional Law/Chemistry. Along the way I managed minors in Political Science and Psychology, which qualifies me to officially label government as dysfunctional. If I tutored you in Physics 152, you're welcome. If I graded your Physics 152 lab manuals, I'm sorry. Member of Purdue Legal Aid, and Alpha Chi Sigma. Worked for public radio at Purdue, WBAA, through my entire college life and will always have a place in my heart for public radio and classical music.

The father of a smart, beautiful daughter who means the world to me. We still believe in fairy tales and evermore, even when the world tries to convince us otherwise.

Looking to travel domestically (US), the Caribbean or Europe. I have a full-time job I love that keeps me busy during the week, but I'm always looking to get out of town for the weekends. Amateur foodie. Love the ocean. My family came over from southern Germany in the 1700s, and I'm wanting to explore Germany, south into Austria and north into Belgium.

PHILOSOPHY

Where your money goes, so goes your heart. Always favor experiences over things.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

People use Couchsurfing for different reasons. The reason I participate is to meet people I normally would never come in contact with, hear their stories, and spend a brief moment in their lifespace and learn how they bring joy to their lives. I can afford hotels, but would rather spend the time connecting with people. I travel frequently for business, and I like to stretch my business travel by a couple of vacation days when traveling to new areas. Looking to surf extra night following my business to use as a launch point for exploring new areas. Will gladly return the favor with dinner for those who might want to be my tour guide and show me the best local places!

Recently I have been getting my daughter to formulate a bucket list of places she wants to visit. So occasionally we may contact hosts to request a stay for two. We have surfed together before, and she enjoys meeting new people. Some of the areas of interest to her are Paris, Colorado, Puerto Rico, Hollywood CA and Montreal. If you are in those areas, feel free to strike up a friendship! We will be there eventually. :)

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Surfed eight couches, hosted five times and met two other surfers while traveling. I've also shared hotel suites with two people, which is a great way to share expenses with fellow travelers while traveling when a host cannot be found.

Interests

Volleyball, cycling, wineries, hiking.

Music, Movies, and Books

Books - When I have time to read, nerdy stuff in the science realm. Einstein, Podolsky and especially Herbert. Currently reading Peter Clines, and the "Exegesis of Philip K Dick". Always a love for Tolkien and CS Lewis. My German protestant roots raised me on Grimm, and my daughter reads Grimm now also.

Movies - Love movies of all kinds. I will go to the drive-in anytime anyone wants to go with me (did you know Indiana still has drive-in theaters, some now projecting in digital?)! If you have seen and liked In Bruges, Pleasantville, LA Story, AngelA and Princess Bride -- and would sit back down to watch them again at any time.

Shows - Battlestar Galactica (rip), Fringe (rip), The Colbert Report (rip), Red Oaks (rip), Life (rip), Kings (rip), How I Met Your Mother (rip), Supernatural (rip). I'm the kiss of death for television shows. Everything I love gets canceled.

Music - Wow. Can I say everything? Some combination of the following ... Massive Attack, Mavie Marcos, Sneaker Pimps, Rufus Du Sol, U2, Sonic Youth, The Verve, NIN, Foo Fighters, Flyleaf, Front 242, The Cult, Cannons, The Music, Bjork, Radiohead, Joywave, Grouplove, Dave Brubeck, Smashing Pumpkins, Perfect Circle, Deftones, The Cure, The Sundays, Mazzy Star, Warpaint, Kimbra, The Pixies, New Order (best live set ever!) ... and most 80s metal! I love classical baroque and worship music, and have an affection for pure bluegrass, as I am related to the late Bill Monroe. Pretty much everything except modern country music. I saw 72 bands in 2022, and always have extra tickets to upcoming concerts.

Food - Fresh seafood (which means frequent trips to a coast), mexican, steak, Arni's pizza, cream-cheese red velvet cupcake from Kona Grill.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have stood at the edge of the southern cliff at Point Reyes in northern California. I drank with the band Eve 6 to excess in an Irish bar in downtown St. Louis. I have been to the green room in the Marquesa Keys.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can lend advice on the following locations:

I am very familiar with the Florida Keys, and especially Key West, and can recommend hotels, boats, restaurants, activities there. Just completed my 15th trip to the Florida Keys January 2014.

I have lived in Indianapolis, and still travel there multiple times weekly.

Central Indiana, including some biking trails north of Indianapolis. Shades and Turkey Run state parks are great for hiking.

Upon completing my third trip to Puerto Rico, I have a working knowledge of most of the island now and have been shown a few local spots that are just wonderful.

Have experience at major music festivals, so feel free to pick my brain for tips and advice.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories and food! Love to cook and watch others cook the things they love. But equally interested in checking out local restaurants too.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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