For me, life is a journey of discovery.

This is true wherever I am and wherever I go, whether I stay in one place or travel.

The more I learn about other people, the more I know myself; the more I know myself, the more I can learn about others.

I like cities, but I tend to feel more at home near mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, farms, and deserted coastlines.

The simple things in life are best: companionship, conversation, quiet, simple food, firelight, birdsong, rain beating on the rooftop.

But philosophy and spiritual traditions interest me too.

Among philosophers, I especially like the ancient Stoic philosophers, particularly Epictetus.

I am very drawn to some Buddhist Hindu traditions, but find something of interest in many spiritual and religious.

My interest in religions etc. Is partly anthropological, and partly as part of my ongoing exploration of what it means to be alive.

I try to practice mindfulness in my daily life, and I mediate more-or-less regularly.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To spend quality time with people of the place I am visiting.

To share views, insights, and knowledge.

To meet new friends.

Music, Movies, and Books

I listen to music a lot. I think I can find something to like in just about every genre, but I lean especially toward 50s blues, jazz, and soul, traditional and contemporary folk, old country and alt-country, classical, "world", and a pinch of reggae, punk, rock, and pop.

I read a lot, too, fiction and nonfiction. In fiction, I tend toward"literature", but I have a weakness for mystery and crime novels, especially"hard-boiled" detective stories. In non-fiction, I like, among other things, popular science books, history, and philosophy.

I like some poetry too, in particular (in particular the ancient mystical poetry of the East, such as that of the Hindu Vaishnava traditions.

Films needn't be deep, subtle and complex to engage me (although they certainly can be); I like straight forward entertainment too, just so long as it isn't clichéd and predictable.

Teach, Learn, Share

I taught English as a second language for many years.