CURRENT MISSION

No mission, just love...

ABOUT ME

Hello fellow couchsurfers! My name is Sal. I've really been impressed with what I've read on this site and I'm excited to become part of the community. It definitely inspires me to be a better person. Great job everyone!!!

I'm a friendly, polite, dependable, and intelligent person. Somewhat shy, but love to meet new people. I believe I am pretty open-minded about most things. I also enjoy diversity. I really appreciate people who are willing to accept me for who I am and I try to do the same for others. I love to experience the beautiful things in life - art, music, nature, architecture, literature, food, etc. To me, the most beautiful thing of all is another person's smile. Hopefully, I'll have an opportunity to make you smile someday...

PHILOSOPHY

Being an intellectually curious individual, I've always had a tremendous desire to understand the meaning, purpose, and nature of life. I've done quite a bit of reading about both Eastern and Western philosophy. However, sometimes I feel that life is a mystery that is beyond my understanding and the best I can hope for is to simply experience and enjoy it. To experience life to the fullest, I believe I must continually challenge myself mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Quotes:

"Isn't it love that keeps us breathing?"
- Bonnie Raitt

"When you've got nothing, you've got nothing to loose."
- Bob Dylan

"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be."
- Lao Tzu

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have travelled extensively in North America, Europe, and Asia and have couchsurfed with people in England, Spain, Laos, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Italy, and many parts of the U.S. Those experiences are some of the fondest memories I have. They always bring a smile to my face.

Interests

My main passions are travel and road biking. I love nature and outdoor activities - especially cycling, hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, and kayaking. I have gone hiking and bike riding in many parts of the world. I also love to experience all types of culture - music, art, architecture, languages, religions, customs, food, etc. I'm pretty health/fitness conscious so I'm not really into late night partying, loud music, bars, smoking, or excessive drinking.

I also really like my job - teaching biology to community college students. Mostly, they are a great group of people and I really enjoy teaching and learning from them.

• arts
• culture
• literature
• architecture
• dining
• cooking
• fitness
• partying
• drinking
• reading
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• kayaking
• camping
• skiing
• biology
• languages
• religion

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: Usually prefer comedy but find it difficult to find many good ones. I like dramas based on real events. I especially enjoy foreign, indie, and less conventional films rather than formulaic Hollywood fare. Often enjoy gay-themed movies since I can relate to the characters, situations, feelings, and themes.

Music: Enjoy many types from opera and classical to new age, world music, rock, soul, blues, jazz, country, and pop. Opera is probably my favorite.

Books: Usually read nonfiction - especially history, biography, philosophy, travelogues, and travel guides. Also enjoy historical novels. My favorite novel is "Midnight's Children" by Salman Rushdie.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One thing travel has taught me is that it's not the things you see or do that are the most amazing part of most trips, but rather it is the people you meet.

Teach, Learn, Share

If you like to road bike, I'd enjoy taking you on some bike rides around Austin and the Hill Country of Central Texas. I know some really nice places to ride. You'd have to be in good shape though since I live in a very hilly area.

If you are a good cook, I'd enjoy learning some of your recipies. I have a nice large kitchen that you could work in.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palestine, Philippines, Poland, Russian Federation, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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