CURRENT MISSION

I want to visit 100 countries before I die. I have a long way to go...

ABOUT ME

Mid-20s guy from California who isn't happy sitting still. I love writing, reading, photography, history, the outdoors, meeting new people, exploring other cultures and the occasional impulsive action (like jumping off a cliff in Interlaken, Switzerland, to swing through a canyon at 75mph).

PHILOSOPHY

We're all basically the same. Through travel, I've found that I'm really no different from a German, Indian or a Canadian when it comes down to what's important. There are subtle differences, and those are fun to explore, but regardless of upbringing, we all just want the same thing. I try to be respectful of that at all times and remember that I am not better than anyone else because of where I'm from or the lifestyle I have.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Well, I currently don't have a couch to offer (that's part of the "longtime slacker" aspect of my life), but maybe in a few months when I return from Europe. For now, I can give advice on the places I've been.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

None, rien, nada.

Interests

Travel, snowboarding, hiking, beaches, reading, writing, photography, classic cars (my dad and I restored his car from high school - a '66 Ford Mustang), anything European - French specifically, European history, airplanes, cafe life, dancing if I have enough 'liquid courage' and a bunch of other interests.

• writing
• performing arts
• photography
• dancing
• trivia
• reading
• traveling
• cars
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• snowboarding
• history
• mathematics
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: The Pillars of the Earth, The Ridiculous Race, A Year in the Merde, The Sum of All Fears, The Amber Room and many others.

Movies: Ronin, Snatch, Braveheart, Office Space, The Hangover, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Forrest Gump.

Music: Muse, Linkin Park, Red Hot Chili Peppers and anyhting that sounds good. I don't like a lot of country, metal or boy bands. I don't watch American Idol, but I have nothing against it, either.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I can lick my elbow. I have made money on the odd bar bet with this supposedly "impossible feat," but unfortunately, it is rarely more than a few dollars.

I flew in the backseat of a Czechoslovakian (yes, at the time the plane was built, it was still one country) jet fighter trainer with an aerobatic performance team.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm happy to help people who want to improve on their English. I can also tell you all sorts of mundane trivia, but don't ask me about math. I am very good with percentages from working as a waiter in the past, but I don't "do" math.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, Saint Lucia, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, United States