CURRENT MISSION

Live, laugh, love.

ABOUT ME

I love to travel and explore new things and meet random people. I love the outdoors and the simplicity of camping. I love enjoying the landscapes and landforms of nature, as well as the historical and creative modern architecture of the cities I visit. I love to photograph my travels and will always cherish the memories gathered.

Due to the nature of engineering work (12 months/year), I have had to delay my career (in 2002, 2005 and now 2009) by quitting my job to travel ... well, in 2002 it was between school and work! In 2002 I went to Europe... in 2005 I did a massive road trip around the US and Canada - mostly western US & Canada, but I made it up to Quebec as well. My 2009 road trip fills in the Canadian blanks (going coast-to-coast-to-coast!)... this trip will have encompassed all 10 provinces (but not Labrador), as well as 7 US states... although I may add to the trip in the end! Growing up, Newfoundland was the only province not visited with my parents. My father was a school teacher... and I am considering changing my career to have a regular summer vacation without having to quit my job!! That's tough on the career path! =)

I hate plastic and the consumerism that has intoxicated our society... and consider environmental stewardship to be my duty -- educating people on recycling, picking up other's litter, reducing & reusing, etc.

I am a huge art fan and relish the opportunity to buy handmade art directly from an artist. It means more... and it wasn't manufactured in China!

I am a huge sports fan and participant. I am very competitive and love a good game of cards (cribbage!), darts, ping pong, etc. I also run the Portland, Oregon, Australian Rules Football Club -- Portland Power AFC (even while I continue my travels on the road).

Well, that's all I can think of off of the top of my head while sitting (surfing?) on this couch!

Oh... one more thing... I have my bike and have brought it on both of my big road trips! It's a mountain bike... easily ready for city riding or for hitting the trails. I've ridden on both coasts and in the middle of the country... fun fun fun!

Cheers... I hope to meet you!

Ben

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I'm new to this, but I surfed my first couch last night in St. John's, Nfld (6/11/2009). I know many many people all over and haven't had much of a need... camping when feasible or hitting hostels (infrequently) or just sleeping in my car and waking up to the sunrise.

I have had the interest though... and I've now made a connection and have entered the 'project'! Once I get situated again (everthing is in storage in Portland, OR, but I need a work permit to live in the US again) I will have my place open to the community. Whether that is back in Portland or in Vancouver, BC, remains to be seen...

Interests

Enjoying life.

• arts
• architecture
• running
• clubbing
• traveling
• darts
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• camping
• surfing
• sports
• soccer
• table tennis
• teaching
• engineering
• road trips

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, United States