I'm a well-traveled writer, an American expatriate based in Berlin, and currently a road-tripper looking to make some wonderful connections. I'm part of an art collective called Johnny Knüppel, and I like to create a piece of art for each place I visit and leave it behind. Most often I make poetry street art, but minimally-invasive pieces like these:

https://www.zipcar.com/ziptopia/city-living/temporary-street-art-changing-the-graffiti-game

Also vegetarian & powering up to make the leap to vegan.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I returned to the states for my little brother's wedding, and I'm currently on the road.

I recently revived my account, and I was surprised to find that I have no references. I've actually hosted several people in Tenerife, Spain, and I know that they had a wonderful time and left positive references. Not sure what happened :/

I'm here for the typical reason: it's almost always wonderful people connecting in meaningful and helpful ways. It's a nexus of good karma.

Many Middle Eastern countries have traditions of hospitality because it was necessary to survival before the onset of modern transportation. Travelers can't cross a desert unless every house/waypoint is willing to take them in. CS, to me is the modern day version of that phenomenon...although now the desert is lack of money instead of moisture :)

Interests

Writing, literature, eastern spirituality, philosophy, rock climbing, running, staring at maps, expansion of consciousness.

I love the nervousness that comes right before you step out of your comfort zone or conquer a fear because it's actually the pre-taste of the freedom that you experience on the other side.

• reading
• outdoor activities

Music, Movies, and Books

Music Genres: Downtempo and electronic, disco/soul/funk, alternative, some indie, some folk, and some classic rock.

Some tracks I love and you may not know:

Beachy, atmospheric, laid-back electronic: https://soundcloud.com/jeffreyparadise/cruise-control-original

Loose, sexy, moody RnB with Spanish guitar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVsQwJfWzoI

Happy, pumped disco-soul/electro-pop: https://soundcloud.com/parcels-music/gamesofluck-1

Beautiful indie with lots of fairy and pixie energy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPH9j0qVM3A&list=PLKx_y9IsSAPBHuBhrnhYcSPLZikKfyq37&t=0s&index=28

Epic electronic remix of the Stranger Things theme song: https://soundcloud.com/c418/stranger-think

Currently Reading: Mark Z. Danielewski and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Movies That I Rewatch: Forrest Gump (Zemeckis), The Wind Rises (Miyazaki), Boyhood (Linklater), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Fincher)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Built a bamboo raft.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm a Cambridge-certified, university-level English teacher, and I can flip a good pancake.

I can also almost always pull up some great music you've never heard of, but will enjoy.

Happy to clean anything, even your cat's litterbox.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Cooking, cleaning, book recommendations, travel advice, networking connections, advice on working freelance, stories, a calm and pleasant vibe.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bolivia, Canada, Czech Republic, Honduras, Italy, Jordan, Mexico, Palestine, Poland, Turkey, Vatican City State, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, Israel, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Spain, United Kingdom, United States