CURRENT MISSION

Be happy with myself and my life.

ABOUT ME

Introverted, brave, humanistic, misanthropic, intelligent, ignorant, judgmental, understanding . . . I have no idea how to intelligently write about myself. I am truly a host of contradictions. I can say, with certainty, that I don't have a mean bone in my body and I'm a big nerd.

PHILOSOPHY

Um, treat others the way you want to be treated. Don't do anything that will make you feel guilty. Be kind whenever possible.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have hosted many people in Chennai, Gabon, Qingdao, and Tbilisi, and have been hosted, through this website, in Sri Lanka, Egypt, Senegal, and Guinea. My experiences, overall, have been very positive. I would recommend being a host to anyone who is losing faith in humanity . . . seriously. I look forward to hosting future travelers in Tbilisi, Georgia.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

My first overseas experience, 26 years ago, involved sleeping on the couch of a stranger for two weeks. I am still in awe of this man's generosity and hospitality. He was a friend of a friend and lived around the corner from Buckingham Palace. I am forever in his debt and can only hope to repay him through paying it forward.

Interests

Old books, arthropods, teaching my nine-year-old, American history, crocodiles, playing Scrabble, going places I'm not supposed to, taxonomy, Noam Chomsky, taking pictures, Mary Oliver, overcoming fears . . . .

• books
• environment
• breakfast
• coffee
• drinking
• chess
• traveling
• history
• mathematics

Music, Movies, and Books

movies: George Washington, The Thin Red Line, American Beauty, Roman Holiday (the original), Close to Eden, Billy Elliot, Five Corners, Wall-E, Raise the Red Lanterns, Ju Dou, The Black Stallion.

books: How the Irish Became White, Mary Oliver's New and Selected Poems, Vol. I, anything by Noam Chomsky, anything by Toni Morrison, anything by David Sedharis, anything by Paul Farmer.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I saw multiple generations of townspeople hanging out, eating, drinking, playing chess, talking, and enjoying each other's company in Pistoia, Italy. I saw something similar in Mallaig, Scotland, although on a smaller scale. These moments make me both happy and sad that I've never lived in such an environment for any considerable length of time.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have, pretty much, no fear when it comes to traveling. I hope I never have a reason to lose that. I am willing to explore places that most sane people would avoid. If you want to see some place, I'm willing to accompany you, if I have the time. Oh, and I'm good with basic math and algebra skills!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can at least share coffee and breakfast with my guests, but other than that, it depends on how late I work, if I'm working, etc.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Croatia, Egypt, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Scotland, Senegal, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Costa Rica, Gabon, Georgia, India, United States