Getting ready to see the new places and meet new faces with my trusty sidekick, Chloe. She's a mild mannered rat terrier who likes to sleep, chase grasshoppers, and beg for pets. I'm in a state of transition right now, so I don't really know what to say about myself. I used to work in the mortgage industry, at various times either writing loans or hiring loan officers and various staff roles. I don't work anymore and I am ready to explore like I did when I was young and carefree. I sometimes take a minute to warm up, but I am kind, friendly, and I love to hear people's stories.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have been on CS for nearly 20 years! I am still here for the same reason I was in the beginning - connecting with and learning from people who can share wisdom, stories, joy.

Interests

I might be hedonist-lite because my life revolves almost entirely around food and good company. I really don't think I need anything else for a happy and peaceful life. I can cook delicious meals from a variety of world cuisines, gesticulate on gastronomic theory, and wax romantic about the importance of food in culture. For a while I was even making handmade chef's knives (I bring a set with my wherever I go).

The outdoors is always amazing, but my heat tolerance and fitness level have been sadly declining for a few years, so I have some limits. But show me peaks, trees, treks, or terrain and I'll be a happy man.

The queer community are my people forever. I love people who are self-aware, curious and open to the world, and who respect spaces and people by matching the energy around them.

• dining
• cooking
• cocktails
• coffee
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• hiking
• road trips
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: folk, americana, acoustic, indie, rap, 2000s rock, classical, etc.

Movies and Shows: Almost anything with Jessica Chastain. Ted Lasso. Schitt's Creek. Interstellar. No Reservations. High on The Hog. Chef's Table

Books: The Historian - Elizabeth Kostova. The Tragedy of Heterosexuality - Dara Rosenberg. Medium Raw - Anthony Bourdain

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I happen to be a huge fan of storms. I've always remembered being impressed as a child with the power and beauty of lightning storms in Haiti. Then I went to Iraq and saw the incredible sand storms that look like a brown wall 1,000 feet high, bearing down on you. Then in Brazil, the thunder would shake the windows and the very ground. Now that I'm in Texas, I'm continually in awe of the combination of lighting/thunder/rain that sweeps across the area.

Teach, Learn, Share

Everyone has their gems. For some people, friends and family are their gems. For others it's their hobbies or work. Some people use hospitality as their gem. If you want to make friends, just admire the gems they are gracious enough to show you.

What I Can Share with Hosts

FOOD! My go-to move is to share food with people. If they let me cook, I'll be thrilled, but if they want to show off their culinary heritage or skills, that's just as good.

I have some useful skills in the crafts - plumbing, carpentry, painting, drywall, metal work - and am happy to help out or toss around ideas. I remodeled an entire house myself recently, so my experience is up to date.

Between my education and experience, I have a pretty solid grasp on the business world, especially certain areas of HR and Finance (US only). I'm happy to discuss business plans and challenges as long as it's not pro-Capitalist.

Countries I’ve Visited

Brazil, Greece, Haiti, Italy, Scotland, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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