CURRENT MISSION

To give others a memorable experience of my city.

ABOUT ME

I am one of those rarities in central Edinburgh - someone who was actually born here, grew up in the city centre and still lives in this great city. Despite this, I am a fairly well-travelled individual who can hold a decent conversation. I am a middle-aged guy who has not become a couch-potato. I like to be kept in touch with youth culture and find meeting and hosting overseas visitors a great way to do this. I am self-employed, so my time to look after couchsurfers is very flexible. I partake in a variety of interests and I like to think I live in the real world. I talk with enthusiasm about the things that interest me, but I like to think that I am also a good listener. I have a very open-minded outlook on life and I am happy to host anyone whether gay or straight. Oh, and I have a terrible memory for names!!!

PHILOSOPHY

If you really want something, then you can attain it if you seriously put your mind to it and work for it.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Primarily, I am a host on CouchSurfing, though occasionally I may wish to make use of overseas contacts in the future.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Prior to joining the CouchSurfing website I have had many years experience of hosting overseas visitors through the Helpx website and various language schools based in Edinburgh. Over the period of the last twelve years, I estimate that I have hosted over 1000 different people in my home. I would like to think that I have given all of my past visitors an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Interests

My main interests are in art, theatre, cinema, local history, gardening, reading and cooking. I would like to do more exciting photography, but I am in desperate need of a decent camera. I try to keep myself in reasonable shape by going to my local gym and swimming-pool regularly. I had my interest in hill-walking rekindled a few years ago and have since done some great walks and look forward to some great adventures ahead. I love meeting people from overseas and sharing my interests with them.

Music, Movies, and Books

My taste in music is too varied to list, ranging from classical to pop. It all depends on the situation I am in. I also enjoy silence...

I do enjoy going to the cinema, and enjoy all sorts of films. just so long as they are well made. However, given the choice, I would rather see live theatre and concerts anytime.

Books that I have most recently read, and enjoyed, include:- 'The Red Lion', 'Zelator', 'Iron Curtain', 'Twelve Days', 'The Hare with the Amber Eyes', 'And The Land Lay Still', 'The Testament of Gideon Mack', 'Skippy Dies', 'Carravaggio', 'Be Near Me'...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The most amazing thing I have done (well, to me at any rate!) is to have written and published my own book. It's amazing because I am not academically-minded and I hate writing!!!

Teach, Learn, Share

I have years of life experience to share, but still have a desire to keep in touch with the present.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United Kingdom

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