ABOUT ME

I am a field botanist, and recently moved to Mars Hill NC (just north of Asheville). I grew up in the Midwest, lived for years on the West Coast (Western Washington and then northern California), and now find myself forging new adventures in the Southeast States.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I strive to keep my mind open not only to new experiences, but to sharing the same with people of all walks of life, without any assumptions. I firmly believe that whatever you expect out of any situation affects the outcome, and so to me Couchsurfing represents an opportunity to meet interesting folks who I might otherwise never talk to, and make great memories out of it!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have met some wonderful people who Couchsurfed at friends' houses, and I am hoping to continue to do the same. Although not officially associated with Couchsurfing, I have had myriad experiences crashing with friends of friends, and hosting travelers of all types. The experience of giving and receiving hospitality to those that would otherwise be strangers is enriching to our minds and souls.

Interests

Reading, hiking, art, bicycles, plants.

• arts
• reading
• hiking
• skiing
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

I have read a lot ever since I was small, and I generally focus on non-fiction these days, but in an effort to branch out and give my analytical mind a rest, I've picked up a book by Oscar Wilde this week.
Cartoons, and especially anime, have been a major interest of mine for years now. I'm also interested in foreign film, comedies, and action/ martial arts flicks.
We listen to pretty much ALL kinds of music but our main genres are hip-hop, electronica, and bluegrass/Americana.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I spent three months during the winter of 2012 in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, while studying traditional farming and medicinal plants in the region. The sights I saw and things I learned are hard to describe in just a few sentences.
Also, I've had the opportunity to work in the field in a handful of really amazing places including Mount Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula, the Columbia Basin of eastern Washington, and the backcountry of the North Cascades and western Rocky Mountains. I was able to explore these places all while helping with scientific research and/or trail work. Mountain sunrises are my favorite!

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach botany, especially plant ID, and I hope to never stop learning about everything in the universe. Something I'd love to learn a lot more about right now: astrophysics!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am an upbeat and friendly person, and strive to be very conscious of how my energy and attitude affects other people. Whenever I have had guests in my own home, I really appreciate when they help do simple chores like sweeping the floor or washing dishes, and so I always try to help with similar things when I am a guest myself.

Countries I’ve Visited

Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States