I have been living for twenty years in a relatively remote glen in the Northern Highlands of Scotland. My house is rather chaotic mix of interesting things and ongoing projects! During this time, I have been a frequent traveller to Germany where my son lives, and to friends in Europe, as well as traditional carpentry projects in US, Canada and Japan. I am involved in local community, forestry and land use issues. I get out walking, canoeing, kayaking, sailing and climbing- all on a low technical level. Ive always enjoyed meeting people and listening to their stories. I like discussing things, both in narrow detail, and in wide perspective. I try not to become a grumpy and negative old man- sometimes sucessfully. I like being with young people and doing things socially provided I can get a bit of time each day to myself.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

When I first travelled on my own (to and in India in 1977) I joined a paper list hospitality network called SERVAS which was based around the postwar esperanto movement, so I am curious how the new and hugely bigger internet couchsurf works out.
I generally am on a tight budget, and normally have higher priorities for spending than commercial accomodation. I always travel with a sleeping and bivy bag.
I enjoy meeting people and getting a glimpse of their actual lives and circumstances.
I have always taken odd travellers into my home when the weather is bad or they seem in need, so I am happy to extend that on occasion.

Interests

• history
• philosophy
• religion
• science
• nature
• spirituality
• craft
• timber buildings
• trees forestry
• ski touring and mountains
• sail and paddling
• human progress and lack of it
• pre-industrial ways of life
• mechanical engineering/invention

Music, Movies, and Books

World,folk,blues, grateful dead
any good movies, and probably too many Netflix series
I love books. all time favourite being Alan Watts's "The Way of Zen"

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Pruned the first Ginko tree in europe, and slept on the head of the great Budha at Bamyan

Teach, Learn, Share

I like learning and people have said Im good at teaching. I like sharing practical tasks and cooking. I like washing up dishes provided im left to do it my way!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Sensitivity to their circumstances, routines, and how busy they might be.

Countries I’ve Visited

Afghanistan, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, United States, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

Norway