I'm Dean. I study natural history, literature, and philosophy. I particularly like plants and insects. I love to travel, especially alone, meeting new people in genuine ways. Let's drink coffee and talk about absolutely anything.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have used Couchsurfing to meet hosts in both Iceland and Finland when backpacking abroad, and my experiences there were two of the most memorable of my entire time abroad. I appreciate the sort of connection that Couchsurfing offers, the chance to share stories, meet others with similar passions, and make memories.

Interests

Writing & reading, nature, hiking, entomology, Thoreau, blues music, minimalism, indie games, anything you're passionate about sharing!

• wildlife
• insects
• writing
• books
• literature
• singing
• cooking
• coffee
• drinking
• reading
• traveling
• minimalism
• music
• guitar
• piano
• blues
• hiking
• backpacking
• entomology
• hitchhiking

Music, Movies, and Books

Books:
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, by Annie Dillard
Poetry of Mary Oliver
Manalive, by G.K. Chesterton
S. (or, Ship of Theseus), by J.J. Abrams and Doug Dorst
Einstein's Dreams, by Alan Lightman
Everything by J.M. Barrie, but particularly The Little White Bird
The Silmarillion and the Children of Hurin by J.R.R. Tolkien
Darlington's Fall, by Brad Leithauser
Insectopedia, by Hugh Raffles

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have been twice to the UK, visiting England and Scotland both times, for about a month each visit.
In 2016 I backpacked in Scandanavia and Eastern Europe for a couple months, visiting 13 countries.
I spent some time studying insects in Costa Rica.
I've typed at least 2,000,000 words in my life thus far, and I've no idea how many more I've handwritten. I've been writing steadily for 20 years.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'd love to share natural history knowledge and lore, or share a good cup of coffee or tea and tell stories, or play music together. My writing is my passion, and while I'm not always the most outgoing person, I have a genuine desire to get to know others better, especially those who also write, or spend some portion of their lives making art.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Good conversation, a friendly personality, and a willingness to help out.
I can read to you if you'd like: it's absolutely one of my favorite things to do.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Scotland, Slovakia

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States