CURRENT MISSION

To facilitate the journeys of others by sharing, in whatever capacity I am able, the kindness and knowledge others have bestowed on me. There's a lot to see, experience and find out there, after all.

ABOUT ME

I recently relocated back to Washington DC from San Francisco. I am currently in the process of opening a non-profit with a colleague of mine centered around issues in Syria. On weekends, I manage and bartend at a popular music venue and in my much coveted free time I volunteer as a kitten foster parent for the Humane Society, work out, struggle with guitar and of course, plot my next travel adventure.

PHILOSOPHY

"I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day."
-E.B. White

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I don't like the connotations associated with being a "tourist." It implies passivity, watching from the outside and not engaging with or growing from and experience. By providing a forum for international connection, Couchsurfing allows me to get to know people from the places I visit. It encourages an exchange, a way to understand more about yourself and the world around you.

Interests

The natural world, history, anything athletic. Other passions of mine include music and writing bad poetry. I enjoy engaging with new people, living spontaneously, taking risks and being open to new adventures.

• cats
• writing
• poetry
• working out
• drinking
• traveling
• music
• guitar
• history
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: Good Muslim Bad Muslim, Damian, The Alchemist, Lord of the Flies
Music: I was raised in Seattle in the 90's; music is in my soul! Can't pick favorites, but recently been jamming to Neutral Milk Hotel (long time lover of Jeff Mangum), Bat for Lashes, Model T Ford, Dina Washington, A-WA, Tycho, J. Roddy Walston and the Business, MS MR, and David Bowie
Movies: Lost in Translation is one of my favs, but there's just so many. I'll take a good horror or thriller any day!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Specifically? Got lost with beduins in the Sinai desert. Generally? I left.

Teach, Learn, Share

The more I've gone off the beaten path, the more aligned I've become with my own contentment.

"It is not worthwhile to go around the world to count the cats in Zanzibar"
-Thoreau

What I Can Share with Hosts

A few great stories, a stiff drink, a laid back albeit spontaneous demeanor and in-country experience where I've lived in and traveled with those who are curious.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, Jordan, Kenya, Spain, Syrian Arab Republic, Tanzania, Uganda

Countries I’ve Lived In

Israel, Morocco, Palestine, United States, Yemen

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