London born but have lived mostly (43 out of my 52 years) in Wales and Scotland. Despite the aforementioned time away from my birth place I still retain a very clear and concise English accent.

It is only in recent months that I have moved back in with mother (hence why at this juncture I am unable to host), in England, and to use as a stepping stone for world travel.

I have worked my whole life since leaving school (age 17), and it is due to being made redundant I find myself in the unique position of being able to fulfil the very thing I wanted to do before I took up a martial art which was to consume my life for 30 years; that of travel. So in a way I feel I am now fulfilling my life in a back to front fashion. Life certainly does throw some interesting curve balls at us!

I am an easy going person who likes to meet new and interesting people (for we all have a story to tell), and swap life experiences. Learning is an everyday occurrence, just like boredom is a state of mind; there is far too much going on for the latter to prevent each and every one of us from growing and developing!

I am a lover of both animals and the outdoors, and am happiest whilst in it, especially in among mountains, and in all weathers. I am also a keen amateur photographer (see profile photos) and enjoy the odd blog.

Although I have visited many countries this has been mainly for holidays. Not what I would necessarily call travelling. Which is much the same as someone whom climbs the odd mountain isn't necessarily a mountaineer!

And so I would like to expand my horizons now, by not just visiting a city and or country by coming and going, but by experiencing and embracing the culture, its people and the hidden gems.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet new people, learn about, record and experience new cultures and the landscapes you live among...

Interests

Life...

• wildlife
• arts
• culture
• writing
• books
• photography
• massage therapy
• meditation
• traveling
• blogging
• music
• hiking
• teaching
• geology
• history
• science
• hitchhiking
• mountains
• food
• nature
• friends
• life
• healing
• learning
• rocks
• wild camping
• dinosaurs
• landscapes
• making new friends
• experiences
• healing arts
• animal lover

Music, Movies, and Books

Music:
Very eclectic including 60s, 70s, 80s (my era), country, classical, new age, world, but frequently drift to: Mike Oldfield, Terry Oldfield, Enigma, Supertramp, DireStraits, Coldplay, Post Malone, Pink Floyd and Talking Heads

Books:
Jonathan Livingston Seagull - Richard Bach
Illusions - Richard Bach
The Map That Changed the World - Simon Winchester
The Surgeon of Crowthorne - Simon Winchester
The Way of Wyrd - Dr Brian Bates
Into the Wild - Jon Krakauer
(In fact probably far too many to mention as I currently have over 800 in storage awaiting my return)...

I like action movies - come on, I'm a guy; but really drawn to historical movies or those with a positive message.
Also thoroughly enjoy intellectual television drama like The West Wing and Suits.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Chopped 2 London house bricks in half for my 2nd degree black belt in Wu Shu Kwan Chinese Kickboxing...
(See black white photo; was in my 20s, so had hair then!)
I believed I could do this so I was physically able to, and without incurring injury to myself...
Believing in ones own abilities is so important in any walk of life...

I'm now a 4th degree black belt and an international instructor and examiner...

Teach, Learn, Share

A little self defense if the opportunity arises...
And infinite patience in helping you improve your English...

What I Can Share with Hosts

Good in-depth conversations and my life experiences thus far...

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Peru, Scotland, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Vatican City State, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Scotland, Wales