CURRENT MISSION

To do my part to reduce the overall misery of life.

ABOUT ME

I am a tall American host who's used this site to travel for years. I joined CouchSurfing to get away from the hostel scene and meet interesting people from the countries I visit, to get authentic experiences away from The Usual, to learn a place from those who live there. I am very easy to please and don't require much (I don't even need a couch, really, as long as you have a pillow and a blanket). I have traveled extensively and have very many stories to tell, and am interested in hearing other travelers' stories. I am aspiring to be a travel journalist, so the more people I meet the better, the more stories I hear the better. I am friendly and up for anything. I enjoy outdoors and cities equally.

PHILOSOPHY

This world is too big to see, but I want to see as much of it as I can in the time I have. I can't stand not knowing mysteries. I live to travel and to eventually, hopefully, make a career out of it.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I offer a couch to anyone traveling in the States, wherever I happen to be stationed at the time. I will happily take the time to show travelers the best areas near me. While surfing, I will help out at any residents' house with cleaning and dishes, as this is only fair. I do not and will not complain. I give hitchhikers rides all the time and help out those who I can on the road.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have stayed with couchsurfers in Greece (January and February 2008), Russia (May 2008), Poland (June 2008), and New Zealand (March 2007) and have had nothing but positive experiences so far. My best couchsurf was with an old man who looked like Santa Claus in Motueka, New Zealand, who let me stay in his apartment for a few days while I rested and recuperated. I met other couchsurfers while staying at his house and had a wonderful time with them sharing stories and anecdotes. I had a difficult time leaving.

Interests

I like hiking, biking, and exploring the most, of seeing the local secret places not found or little noted in the guidebooks. I like to walk around cities and tour art galleries (contemporary especially) and old castles and other buildings. I like to go out at night as well. I very much appreciate other couchsurfers for helping me overcome language barriers.

• arts
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• surfing
• journalism

Music, Movies, and Books

I read scads of books, and write fiction and nonfiction. I watch fewer movies, though my friends and I make our own Monty Python-type shorts. I am a music reviewer and listen to many, many albums through that. I produce music for my friends, and enjoy many things, from indie rock to electronica. I like The Onion a lot. I have a sarcastic, ironic sense of humor and like being in character.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have done many wild solo hikes throughout the world, some in places I maybe shouldn't have gone. I have hitchhiked across New Zealand and hiked through the Tasmanian jungle. I have been lost deep in the American West's desert. I've taught English a Siberian oil town.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach about many places, where to go and what to see, because I've sought out the best places myself. I know many travel secrets from merely living and doing them. I know how to hitchhike successfully. I can teach English. I know how to get around Europe and America cheaply. I have many, many stories to tell and trade. I have a library of jokes stored up. Etc.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Greece, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, United States

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