CURRENT MISSION

To take in the quirky uniqueness of the world, and get out of my safe zone.

ABOUT ME

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I grew up in the house my grandparents owned when they came to America. My family had a small business down the street. The result of this: I care a lot of place, and history of place. I distrust chain stores, and mass produced items.

Clear communication is also important to me, and I have little tolerance for continuous sarcasm and that ilk. Quiet times, good food, and good conversation are my passions.

I come off as very intense / earnest because I am. Life is short and beautiful. I don't like to waste it on gossiping, complaining, or discussing popular culture.

Professionally, I do transportation planning. I did it for a mid-size "Rust Belt" city before moving to NYC and doing it here. I'm doing my small part to make public spaces (ie the roads and sidewalks) a comfortable and safe place for all people.

PHILOSOPHY

I value integrity, honor, honesty, and loyalty. I am very family oriented and wish to create a loving home for the people with whom I am close. However, being that I am gay, I have a strong streak of iconoclasm and questioning beliefs.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

A fraternity brother told me of all his wonderful experiences, so I jumped on the game. I own a house and figured it would be fun to open up the space to travelers. So far, everything has been great!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Hosting: I have hosted many people over the years and had some really great experiences. I loved hearing other people's experiences and perspectives on life.

Surfing: I spend two weeks in Italy surfing around and met some wonderful people. I was honored and humbled by their graciousness and generosity.

Interests

How people move. The spaces people live, how they are built and how they're used. The quiet and variety of nature. The sound of voices singing in unison or harmony. Caring for my family, close friends and fraternity brothers. Making the city in which I live a better place.

• culture
• architecture
• dining
• cooking
• tv
• cars
• cycling
• surfing
• business
• history
• tours

Music, Movies, and Books

Currently reading about the ecological history of NYC, the transition of the Roman Empire from Paganism to Christianity, the cultural differences between the French and Americans, and a collection of gay sci-fi / fantasy short stories. It's kind of random.

Music? I tend to like chill, classical music.

Movies? Anything that makes me think, and isn't too violent.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In the course of my life, I've watched the Hudson River become cleaner, and Colorado sprawl. The good with the bad.

I have removed car lanes and replaced them with bike lanes. I have closed roads and converted them to bike and pedestrian walkways. I have converted roads from one-way to two-way operation, and I've gotten millions of dollars in grants for the various cities I've worked for. I have lost 100 lbs and then decided to gain 100 lbs. I have competed in powerlifting competitions (and won awards), and I have carved runestones. I have been married and divorced, and I've fixed up a 100 year old house. Phew! I can't wait for the next 35 years.

Teach, Learn, Share

Surfing: I can offer my warm heart and fun conversations. I can chat for a long time about language, transportation, cities, beekeeping, cooking and LGBT / gender rights. I know about runes and Tarot cards. And I am told I am THE BEST HUGGER! :-) Many references.

Hosting: I would love to share the awesome history of New York City with anyone who visits, and I know a lot of the great places to eat.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahamas, Germany, Italy, Mexico, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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