CURRENT MISSION

I want to explore the world and learn different ways to see things. Life is too short to keep the same outlook.

I am currently living in Germany where I study German and work as an English teacher. Come October I will start my master's in neuroscience at the university of Bonn. Believe me it's a crazy story how I got here..

Last year I left home to do the the Camino de Santiago, walking the 800 km from southern France, across the country of Spain to the final destination of Santiago de Compostela. After finishing this amazing journey I decided to not return home and instead to follow the winds and continue traveling. Basing myself in Germany seemed like a great way to continue time with friends in Europe - so for now it's work, study, and always exploring in my free time.

ABOUT ME

I have always been fascinated by seeing the things through the eyes of others. I think it is a great experience to shift our own paradigms and ways of looking at the world.

I am a trained science and English teacher from the USA, and have been working my way around the world since finishing my undergraduate degree in Portland, Oregon. I've spent 3 of the last 5 years in Europe and have seen over 30 countries now!

I've lived on three different continents up to this point. I believe home is where the heart is, but also wherever the wifi connects automatically ;)

PHILOSOPHY

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."

-Mark Twain

"When you're 17, you know everything. When you're 27, if you still know everything, then you're still 17"

-Ray Bradbury

"Unless one is able to live fully in the present, the future is a hoax. There is no point whatever in making plans for a future which you will never be able to enjoy. When your plans mature, you will still be living for some other future beyond. You will never, never be able to sit back with full contentment and say, 'Now, I’ve arrived!' "

- Alan Watts

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I believe in reciprocity. Good deeds don't go forgotten! I've never met someone through couchsurfing that I'm not still in contact with. Definitely keeps me coming back!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've surfed, hosted, and always try to make it to CS parties/gatherings. Love the community and the environment!

Interests

Snowboarding, Surfing, Camping, Backpacking, More backpacking, Walking in the woods, Music, Movies, Science, Literature (fiction and non-fiction), Travel (duh), Growing things (food, plants, ideas..) Writing, Philosophy (existentialism in particular)..

• literature
• environment
• walking
• partying
• movies
• traveling
• music
• backpacking
• camping
• surfing
• snowboarding
• teaching
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

Herman Hesse is my favorite author. His books always seem to find me when I need them. Siddhartha changed my life once, Narcissus and Goldmund another time. I usually keep copies of both of these and give them to aspiring travelers/wanderers

I try to read a lot, I think it's a good habit to be in. Reading books, reading news, reading maps, reading hands..

I also like a lot of different music. Currently this mix of techno and world beat that's coming up around Germany is really something I can't wait to explore more

I enjoy a good conversation more than anything. With some rounds of coffee and a table I can converse about anything and everything till the sun goes down and comes back up again

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I once came through Budapest for a week on travel and.. stayed for almost a year on a whim!

Teach, Learn, Share

I am really inspired by other people's stories. More to learn, more to share, more road to travel.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Hospitality is something I am always offering people - so it is so appreciated when it is returned! I am an outgoing person and like to have good conversations and learn about other peoples' backgrounds and stories. I just like to have a good time and am calm and courteous.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahamas, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kosovo, Mexico, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, Hungary, Israel, United States