I'm a plant based eater because I don't want to contribute to animal cruelty. I am a semi-retired mental health therapist currently working in private practice. Being party to people's personal transformation lights me up. I love the natural world, enjoy wandering around good Museums and Art Galleries, and am enlivened by engaging conversation. I've been married for 35 years and have 2 magnificent daughters. Over the past number of years my wife and I have traveled 6 of the 7 continents out of the joy of exploring and to escape the dark Canadian winters. I was born in Canada, grew up in Colorado and have been back in Canada for the past 30 years. I am pessimistic about our treatment of this planet yet am optimistic about the potential for human evolution.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

One of the greatest joys of travel is meaningful interaction with others which isn't as readily available when staying at a hotel or a self contained Airbnb. I need to do some solo travel to look after some property in the Phoenix area and thought couchsurfing would provide an opportunity to tap into local expertise and culture while keeping my costs down. We also love to host folks from around the world and make them gourmet vegan food so we're hoping to get a taste of couchsurfing and share with others as well. Last year we rented a condo through Airbnb and found it rewarding to welcome people from all over the world and orient them to our beautiful city and country! We became Superhosts in short order and now due to restrictions by our strata (HOA) we will not be able to host people in that location that way but couchsurfing isn't against the rules in our own condo. Our daughters and their friends have used couchsurfing and highly recommend it.

Interests

• environment
• vegan
• reading
• nature
• history and culture

Music, Movies, and Books

Leonard Cohen for music. Sapiens for the latest book that I enjoyed although it could have been more concise. We don't have cable TV as I prefer to read but I enjoy biographies, history, nature shows, and well acted movies. I appreciate the work of Tom Hanks, Robin Williams, Robert DeNiro, and Meryl Streep. Turn me loose in the Met or other magnificent museum for days and I'd be a happy camper!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

It is not so much what I have done but rather something I have participated in; and that is helping some folks overcome significant anxiety disorders and mental/psychological challenges. I recently worked with a young woman who was too scared to leave her home and as a result had been house bound for a couple years. We talked on the phone 3 or 4 times and something clicked for her so she is now able to move about freely. It is so exciting to see people move past their previous limits.

Teach, Learn, Share

I've been working with people with trauma for the past 20 years and have found the work deeply rewarding. I enjoy sharing what I've learned about the brain body connection, the value of mindfulness, and have a daily gratitude practice. My wife and I teach free plant based cooking classes in our community.

What I Can Share with Hosts

My love of delicious plant based foods. How to sprout beans in 3 easy steps. Discussions about our shared human condition.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Dominica, Egypt, Gibraltar, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Laos, Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Portugal, Seychelles, Singapore, Spain, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, United States