Hello, I'm Stephen!

I am a happy idealist trying to leave the world a little better than I found it.

I find great joy in exploring alternative lifestyle choices. I try to de-emphasize the measurable aspects of life (money, consumption, speed) and emphasize the immeasurable (community, friendship, joy, laughter). You'll find me pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone and discovering it’s not so bad out there after all.

"To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

It's been a pleasure to both host and surf with so many different kinds of people. I'm a resident in Charlottesville and an active member of my community. I am also a moderator of the Charlottesville group and help to organize local meetups!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have a lot of experience couch surfing to dances up and down the East Coast long before I knew what CS was. Since joining, I've hosted some really awesome people and after I had a few recommendations under my belt I took the plunge and surfed for the first time in Seattle and Portland. I've loved my experiences and I believe the relationships we form are our most valuable assets.

The greatest challenge I've experienced with CS is people who want to surf only one night with me, which makes it quite difficult to form relationships.

Interests

People, conversation, learning, shared experiences, dancing, music, food!

• dancing
• swing dancing
• dining
• gardening
• music
• history
• urban planning

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Jazz, Classical, Electronic, Rock

Movies: Anything but horror

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Riding a mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Then laying in a cool tributary of the Colorado river, looking up through the canyon walls as the stars emerged.

Teach, Learn, Share

I've been swing dancing for about a decade and would be happy to show you a thing or two.

I also have a graduate degree in urban and environmental planning. I'd love to hear any insight you have on the history of your city, your experience living there, and the places you care about!

Countries I’ve Visited

United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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