CURRENT MISSION

Live dangerously.

ABOUT ME

I'm currently an English Language Fellow with the U.S. State Department. I'm stationed in Guangzhou, China.

I like to be with people who can sit comfortably in silence. I believe in being well-informed, reasonable, and tolerant, and surrounding myself with people who function in a similar fashion. I strongly believe in high quality chocolate.

PHILOSOPHY

It's all part of the causal chain. It could not have been otherwise. There is such a thing as altruistic behavior, but not such a thing as altruistic motivation. It's in your best interest to help others and treat them with kindness. Being reasonable is of the utmost importance. The ability to reflect inward is of extreme value.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Hosting, surfing, going to events! To be honest, I haven't connected with the couchsurfing community as much in recent years. However, I have been exploring several countries in Asia and hope to get back into the CS lifestyle.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have surfed in Italy and Germany. I have hosted in Madison, WI and Minneapolis, MN. I've also attended some CS events, specifically in Berlin. Met some lifelong friends from this wonderful network of explorers.

Interests

Let's talk about language education policy! Let's talk about language and identity. Or metaphilosophy. Or Spinoza.

I like being outdoors. Working on perfecting my collection of ultralight camping gear. Kayaking/canoeing/hiking.

My favorite events in MPLS are film screenings, museum events, and live music. And escape rooms get me overly excited. Join me!

• fashion
• cooking
• chocolate
• traveling
• music
• live music
• camping
• surfing
• paragliding
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Jenny Lewis, Belle & Sebastian, Iron & Wine, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, Patsy Cline, Feist, Neko Case, Perfume Genius, 90's R&B.

Movies: An Education, Pan's Labyrinth, Amelie, Being John Malkovich, Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic, Rushmore, and The Shining.

Books: Spinoza's Ethics, In Cold Blood, In the Garden of Good and Evil, and Devil in the White City. Nietzsche. I like fiction enough, but it is my least favorite. Currently on the last legs of an expository feminist text by Angela Davis.

Television: The Office, Silicon Valley, Party Down, Game of Thrones, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Mighty Boosh.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I hitchhiked down a canal in Venice and climbed Mt. Vesuvius. During another trip abroad, I was able to celebrate New Year's Eve at Brandenburg Gate, which was pretty awesome. Went paragliding in the Swiss Alps; I almost lost my lunch but the view was outstanding. Rented a four wheeler and traversed some Greek islands. Went hitchhiking and camping through the canyons of SE Turkey.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am always interested in discussing matters in language learning and philosophy. I make some killer homemade pancakes, and I'm learning the Way of the Waffle. There is very little I don't want to learn. In the ideal world I would know how to play at least one instrument, speak a few more languages, and be well-versed in more German philosophers and any of the French ones. My relationship with cooking is pretty much hopeless, so if you can help me with that, you will be doing me quite the favor.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Italy, Turkey, United States

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