Just a guy being a guy, doing whatever a guy fancies as a guy, guy.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I travel a lot, and originally sought to save some $.

But also, I love meeting new people and exchanging experiences, stories, and ideas. Why not pay it forward; see things; and share with the everyday Joe instead of big hotel chains? Likewise, I find the best way to explore an area is with other travelers or locals.

Interests

I was a competitive orator and eater in my younger years. Now I write books in my free time, and continuously pursue more degrees when not at work. I've been to a lot of countries, but I will say Japan, Korea, Italy, Austria, and Thailand are my top 5. Honorable mention to Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Iceland, and Guatemala.

I am on a not-so-rushed quest to explore more of the US. I like to plan and structure in advance as much as possible, but I also really love deals. I have accepted some places and activities are not flexible in price, but my patience lets me move at a purposeful snail's pace. I say this to say, I am open to visiting anywhere in the US; provided opportunity and incentive.

• arts
• culture
• fitness
• exercise
• politics
• art history
• travel
• art
• food
• nature
• challenges

Music, Movies, and Books

John Wick, Matrix, and Zoolander. There's plenty of good movies, but those are the ones I can always rewatch and enjoy.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Took care of my elderly mom for two years before her passing. It was difficult, but I don't regret a moment of it; and only wish we had more time together. Experiences, learning, and fun aside, quality time with loved ones is the most paramount thing in this existence; and making them aware of how loved they are.

Travel-wise...

In my last year of undergraduate studies, I made clay cats with artisans in a rural village of Indonesia really, really far off the beaten path. I have no idea what I am or was doing with my life, but it's a fond memory. The premise of that study abroad opportunity, one of four I completed while an undergraduate student, was economic development and political forecasting in Southeast Asia.

As a "full adult", I'll say it is a tie between hiking up a 13045 ft mountain in Guatemala with no training; traveling to several active or to-later-become warzones; and ATVing at max speed up a craggy mountain in the deep jungle brush of Phuket, Thailand, only to eventually abandon said vehicle and dive from the edge of a cliff with nary any training, companion, emergency contact, prior knowledge, or plan. But I am here today!-- older, and presumably wiser.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Knowledge of places I've been, and the amazing odds I've overcome.

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, Indonesia, South Korea