I am a current Peace Corps Volunteer about to complete my service. I have spent the last two years in Botswana, Africa, a developing nation in southern Africa, just north of South Africa. I don't consider myself a world traveler, though I do love to travel. I just see myself as open to what the world brings me and it somehow brought me to Africa, which I wouldn't change one bit. As my service is coming to a close I hope to start a life somewhere new, but defiantly somewhere with nature and culture as I love nothing more than getting to the deeper roots of a place and its people. This also rings true for any location I visit; I have always felt that if you want to truly experience a place, you have to be willing to put yourself out there and find the hidden gems.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm couch-surfing for a few reasons, all equally important in my eyes. I would be lying if I said it wasn't somewhat about my current lack of income; I have been a volunteer for 2 years after all. But it is equally about the opportunity to get to know the real people that make up any location I visit. I'm an easy going guy, pretty adventurous, and always willing to try something new. I also hope to couch surf a bit as I establish myself in whatever city I end up in after my service, both as a safe place to stay for a few days and as a way to get to know people in that area; it never hurts to have friends after all.

Interests

• dogs
• culture
• architecture
• coffee
• cars
• drawing
• podcasts
• fishing
• hiking
• kayaking
• camping
• archery
• nature
• adventure
• biking
• new experiences
• roadtrips
• a good conversation
• subculture
• a good laugh
• coffeeshops
• a good drink
• amateur shows

Music, Movies, and Books

As generic as it sounds, I'm pretty open to anything, but my preferences lean towards music that inspires me to get out and see the world, movies that make me laugh, and books that teach me something new. My favorite music artists lately have been Gorillaz, Jose Gonzalez, The Dead South, Glass Animals, Alt-J, and anything along those dreamy folk lines. I can get down with any movies but favorite classic is Bullitt, favorite romance is The Princess Bride, and favorite newer movie is Mad Max: Fury Road. I'm still looking for a favorite book.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

This is a difficult question to answer as this can be pretty objective but I would say that giving up 2 years of a life with family and friends to give back to the world in Peace Corps could be considered amazing. I wish I could say I've climbed Kilimanjaro or something but not yet, its on the bucket list for sure.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: I've gained many skills in my life and have done many things in the adventure to find my path. I have been a teacher, a mechanic, I've practiced art, I've been a cook, I've been a scholar in the teaching of Business, I've helped people who were literally starving, and I helped people to strive for their goals.
Learn: I haven't gotten to experience everything I have without the willingness to learn anything I can.
Share: I have never been rich but I have always shared what I could, especially my time and energy. Making sure to spend quality time with someone has always been a priority to me. Be it just relaxing with a movie playing, going out for a few drinks, or doing a several day hiking trip in a unfamiliar mountain range, I have always appreciated the opportunity to share that moment with the people willing to be there with me.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share my time and energy, and essentially a part of my life with them. I can share a perspective from an American that has lived and learned outside the US. A willingness to experience what they enjoy doing. Stories about my life before and during by service. And I can always share whatever I have to make sure they know I appreciate the opportunities they gave me.

Countries I’ve Visited

Botswana, Canada, Mexico, South Africa

Countries I’ve Lived In

Botswana, United States