CURRENT MISSION

My current mission is to learn more about others, learn more about the world, and spread some love and good times while I'm at it!

ABOUT ME

To put it short, my nickname is "Shine" because I love to smile and have a good time, I like to see others doing the same, and I see it as my job on Earth to spread as much love and positive energy around while I have the chance. I am a 28 year old male from California. I hope to explore the world and learn about other people and about myself. I am very easy going and don't need much to be completely happy- just a place to rest my head and welcoming energy. I love meeting new people and trading stories about their experiences and see it as a wonderful way to connect the beautiful, adventurous beings of the world. I am motivated to always keep learning and get easily excited about trying new things. I can go out for a night on the town but I am also just as happy hanging out at home with tea and a book.

PHILOSOPHY

My philosophy is quite simple. 1. Take good care of body, mind, and spirit. 2. Take good care of self, community, and world, 3. Enjoy the ride!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I participate by offering all that I can whenever I can. When traveling, I offer a kind and courteous guest who is easy-going with many stories to share, songs to sing, and conversations to be had.

Interests

I most enjoy being outside and studying the natural world. I specialize in the natural history of California. I mostly study birds and plants but also have interest in mammals, tracking, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and aboriginal skills (fire-making, medicinal herbs, shelter-building, etc.) As long as I am in a natural and beautiful place, and I am usually as happy as can be. I am also a trekking instructor in California. I teach backpacking, rock climbing, and hiking to students and would love any opportunity to try those activities out in the places that I visit. Other than that, I enjoy playing a whole lot of music, watercolor painting, writing, and reading. And I can usually be inspired to play a game of soccer or go for a run with a good friend or two.

• animals
• birds
• insects
• reptiles
• amphibians
• writing
• books
• singing
• running
• instructor
• reading
• traveling
• painting
• music
• hiking
• backpacking
• rock climbing
• soccer
• history

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada in California. Pretty much everyday that I have done this, I have been completely awestruck--especially when in Yosemite Valley, Mono Lake, and all around in the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia National park. Sitting on granite slabs during sunrise with good friends is what really sticks in my mind.

Rock climbing in Joshua Tree National park and early morning studying of the plants of the Mojave desert.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach people about the plants and the animals of California. I can teach people how to play most string instruments, how to surf, survival skills. also have some knowledge about Swedish massage, acupressure, and reflexology and am willing to share all of those skills and more with others.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, England, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Tanzania, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States