Things that make me feel alive include:

Mountains. Local coffee shops. Writing letters. Skydiving. Meditation. Travel. Good conversations over a local beer. Music - playing it and listening to it. Photography. My dog. Whitewater kayaking. Riding bikes around a new place. Playing clawhammer banjo and New Orleans jazz sousaphone. Hiking. Cooking - I'm a foodie. Campfires on a chilly evening. Reading a good book. Growing my own food - I used to have a homestead. Working for the rights of oppressed communities. Engaged Buddhism. Continual personal refection and growth.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am hoping to meet and connect with new people on my travels!

I travel light, and with my mind wide open to new experiences and meeting new people. I love to see the heart of the place - the good and the bad - instead of heading straight to the typical tourist attractions. I am a photographer and will often spend at least a few days taking photographs. I am also not shy about trying new and unique local food.

Interests

• dogs
• photography
• hiking
• kayaking
• camping
• skydiving
• languages
• sign language
• language exchange
• adventure travel
• cultural immersion
• trekking
• local food
• foodie
• deaf culture
• local culture
• local cuisine
• hiking in the mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

I love all types of music, and I play it too (tuba, trombone, banjo)!

I am an avid reader, and one of the hardest decisions I will have to make is which books to bring with me on this trip. Ask me when I arrive what I am reading and I will be happy to share.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have recently left my job, home, and friends in Washington D.C. to travel the United States. This was a hard and bold decision that I had to make which has brought some really amazing results!

Teach, Learn, Share

I love cross cultural exchanges. I want to know about your life, your story, your background. What makes your home beautiful? What makes it a challenge? I am not the kind of person who enjoys tourist areas -- I want to get to the heart of a place. Ask me anything you want to know about the United States, and particularly the rural Southern states. I am always willing to teach and share!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share stories, laughs, information about the United States (even politics!), coffee, food, and beers!

Countries I’ve Visited

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Jamaica, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands Antilles, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin (French part), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States