In my time on Earth so far, I taught English in south east Asia, worked as a guide and climbing instructor in Australia, as a materials scientist and a research fellow, in education management, and humanitarian aid and disaster relief. I love exploring and problem solving, whether it's in a lab, or in the oceans or the mountains. I surf, skii, and hike, among other pursuits. I also love the urban lifestyle, particularly eating out and discovering nightlife.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I grew up in a family as a member of Servas - a global host organisation similar to Couchsurfing, but before the internet was around. Our family home was always full of wonderful guests from abroad, and when we travelled we always had the fortune to be accommodated by wonderful hosts.

Interests

• dogs
• bbq
• politics
• hiking
• surfing
• swimming
• nature
• football
• trekking
• conversation
• motorbikes
• long distance hiking

Music, Movies, and Books

Bon Iver, Chet Faker, Dave Brubeck, Herbie Hancock, ...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Deep in the Sikkimese Himalayas a snow leopard came to drink by the water of Simiti. We danced together. In the morning as my companion and our guide made our way to the pass, an angle descended from Kanchendzonga and relieved me of a burden I'd been carrying for so long that I'd forgotten it was even there. We pushed forward. Later in the morning, temptation got the better of me and I pulled the trigger.

Several days later, after saying goodbye to my friend in Calcutta I caught the overnight train to Varanasi. In the morning an outing of school children showed me how to write in Hindi, while we ate our breakfast thalis. Through the window, endless rice paddies flit past, punctuated by banyan trees and burial shrines, while smells of jasmine and sandalwood incense hanging heavily in the tropical air, were rudely interrupted by putrefying garbage.

It was Dev Deepavali when we crossed the bridge into Varanasi that evening, greeted by the sight of the ghats and mother Ganges herself ablaze with the light of a hundred million candles.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm an armchair philosopher and backyard rocket scientist.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love to cook and share stories over a bottle of wine and some good tunes.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Cambodia, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Moldova, Oman, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Viet Nam