Hello, friends!
I'm Daniel Collins, an historian, a linguist, and an all-around intellectual. Traveling is my passion because it includes all of the things I love: meeting people and learning their history, language, and culture. I am very passionate about the world and its people, and the structures to which they belong. I am pursuing a dual degree in History and the Spanish Language, although I speak and read a few other languages.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a way to engage with the world, to leave one's comfort zone, stereotypes, and presuppositions. It is a valuable means to truly connect with the world. Not only is it economic, but it is intellectually stimulating in every way. What's the point of travelling somewhere without learning something. I concur with Rick Steves when he says that the best part of traveling is the people. I would like to diverge from the notion of strictly-pleasure tourism, and move into a new paradigm of being an educated guest.

Interests

My official historical concentration is Modern European History. I am particularly interested in the religious aspects of European life from the Middle Ages to the Present, and how religion, especially Christianity, plays a role in European life. My professor tells me that I write like a sociologist because I relate everything to social class, so if you're interested in politics I would be very happy to talk to you, regardless of your political viewpoint. My foreign language expertise especially helps in my historical study, helping me to be able to analyze ancient documents and how to relate them to today. I'm a culture fanatic, basically.

• politics
• anthropology
• history
• religion
• sociology
• foreign languages
• christianity

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite period of music is baroque, specifically the music of G.F. Handel. It helps me to gather my thoughts and contemplate. I tend to read a lot of classical literature and historical documents, but also like fantasy series like Game of Thrones.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've sat behind Bernie Sanders at one of his rallies.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can help practice English, Spanish, and French with anyone that I'd stay with. Also, if anyone's interested in history, politics, or religion we could talk about it for hours on end.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share my stories and expertise, my languages as well.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Costa Rica, England, France, Scotland, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, United States