I've lived outside of my home country nearly half my life and enjoy living in new places as much or more than just traveling to them. For the last fifteen years I've been primarily in Bali, with also a few years in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I'm interested in languages and wouldn't consider living in a place without learning the language and the local way of life.

While I've never stuck to any one career path, my life has circulated around art, design, teaching, writing, music, travel and meditation. I may leave one or more of these practices for a while, but I eventually spiral back around to it again. I am also an avid reader.

I've spent quite a bit of time alone over the last few years, perhaps a bit too much at times, although I basically very much enjoy being around people who can share in good conversation and interesting, non-mainstream activities . I don't watch TV. I suppose in some regards I am a solitary creature, and I do enjoy and make good, creative use of my alone time. But I'm here because I'd like to meet more people, to share more of my life, and to know more of others'.

I my younger years I was an avid hiker and surfer. I still enjoy swimming, yoga, long walks and short hikes, but I have slowed down with age.

Over the coming months of May, June and July I will be travelling in Portugal, mainly in the Coimbra, Gois, Arganil, and Beiras regions, and hope to meet some good people, as well as enjoy whatever hospitality offered, while there.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As I said, I'm here because I'd like to meet more people, to share more of my life, and to know more of others'.

Interests

art (primarily painting), music, film, hiking, meditation, novels, autobiographies, history, metaphysics, psychology ... I can more easily list what I am not interested in than what interests me, as that list would be shorter: action films, television, gossip, corporate media news, fast cards, bad food.

• arts
• writing
• design
• dining
• yoga
• meditation
• news
• movies
• tv
• traveling
• painting
• music
• hiking
• swimming
• communications
• history
• languages
• psychology

Music, Movies, and Books

this will take some time and thought, I'll get back to it.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I worked as a stage hypnotist (as well as a hypnotherapist) for about a year. That was pretty phenomenal.

Teach, Learn, Share

I've taught English, Industrial Design, and hypnosis. I am a self taught artist. I enjoy teaching, and I'm happy to teach anything that I am capable of teaching that anyone finds of value.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Enthusiasm for life, good conversation, interesting musical taste, and artwork, if you have any appreciation for the meager work I can do. (can be viewed at www.christopherstephenstern.com, alsthough I haven't updated this site in about 8 months now).

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, China, Ecuador, France, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Cambodia, China, France, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, United States