Trying to understand the world around me while remaining objective. Learning from worthwhile sources.

I treat people fairly, am honest and polite. People who know me say that I have deep integrity, that they can tell me anything and know I won't betray them, I'm an interesting character, and I'm true to myself.

PHILOSOPHY

Live before dying.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've kept travel as a vital part of my life for 22 years and show no signs of stopping. I like meeting locals so I can get a better feel for wherever I happen to find myself at the time. I can find good in almost any place but some times meeting the right people really helps.

I've hosted a handful of people and have stayed with CS folks in San Diego, Tijuana, and Pittsburgh. Apart from the couch thing, I've also gone to a movie and had breakfast with some CS people. I like meeting good people.

Interests

I love travel and have been to 17 countries, 5 continents and 49 of the 50 United States.

My pursuits change about every year but I've been serious about long distance bicycling, martial arts, playing music, travel, etc. I'm a big fan of garage sales, thrift stores, pawn shops, etc. I love Mid-Century Modern furniture and design, I love architecture and the arts, etc.

• arts
• architecture
• design
• breakfast
• beer
• thrifting
• traveling
• garage sales
• music
• hiking
• martial arts
• tourism
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Mostly classic authors including Twain, Hemingway, Eugene O'Neill, Somerset Maugham, etc.

I mostly like films that make me think, especially classics, foreign and independent works. I like older Woody Allen, Pi, District 9, Pee Wee's Big Adventure, Lawrence of Arabia, Stanley Kubrick films, etc.

I'll confess to enjoying cable TV, especially Breaking Bad, Chasing Classic Cars, Nova, Bizarre Foods, etc.

My musical taste is broad but includes world music (especially traditional), bands like King Crimson, early Metallica, Rush, Black Sabbath, etc. I like the Stooges, Chicago Blues music, some Punk, Classical, etc.

Big fan of online radio such as TuneIn, especially stations like Radio Batavia (France), KEXP (Seattle), etc

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've motorcycled on narrow mountain roads and gone jungle hiking in Ecuador; I lived for a short time in a Midtown Manhattan penthouse; I slept with friends on San Francisco's Ocean Beach for four months without getting kicked out, while others were immediately booted - we even had a couch on the sand, talk about couchsurfing!

I've soaked in saunas, hot springs or other traditional baths in Russia, Turkey, Thailand, Morocco, New York City and Oregon. I love me some soaking.

I live in Seattle, and Washington state has proved to be a blessing to me. I've been here seven years, and it continues to unfold in wonderful ways. I've met the right people, have had exceptional experiences, and so on. I love to play tour guide, so you're welcome to my home.

Create your own travel map - TravBuddy

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm into lots of activities and can help my guests find places to go in the Pacific Northwest that fit their interests. Seattle and the outlying areas are wonderful and really show themselves well. I've played tour guide more than once and really enjoy it.

I know good restaurants, excellent beer and whisky spots, hiking, music, free or cheap martial arts crews, museums, bicycling, etc. I'm game for almost anything.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm a listener, first. I want to learn about life and the places I see. My tendency is toward introversion but when I'm traveling or engaging in new, raw experience, I'm very sociable.

I'll be polite, clean and easy-going. I'll honestly inquire about your city, village or isolated corner of the planet. I want to know what makes your locale unique. Oh, and I'll be friendly!

Countries I’ve Visited

Bolivia, Bulgaria, Canada, Ecuador, England, Japan, Laos, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Thailand, United States