Kelly and Patrick: we are a couple that loves the outdoors (camping, climbing, hiking, etc.) We have a genuine interest in helping change this world for the better. We are farmers and grow organic food for our community. We love learning about local plants and nature.

CURRENT MISSION

Soaking up and learning the most we can everyday about the world, our environment, sustainability, and leaving this place better than it was when we found it.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I want to meet people traveling through my town and have a good time, show them the sites around my area.

I also would like to see the REAL parts of any place I travel not just the popular tourist attractions. Being able to connect with the locals and meet new people makes any experience so much more personal and fun. The best way to self improvement - traveling & learning about other cultures!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I surfed through Australia and New Zealand for 2 months and was able to meet many friends, travelers, and have amazing new experiences! I surfed in Italy and also around different cities in the US via CS.

We have hosted numerous travelers from all over the world and enjoyed local Portland activities while getting to know more about their adventures, family and culture.

Interests

When we’re not diggin in the dirt -We try to spend our spare time outdoors hiking, camping, climbing and enjoying nature. We like to cook listening to some jazz or flamenco while drinking a glass of beer/wine. Its even more rewarding preparing food from our own garden! We both practice yoga and love gardening.

Kelly: I love music and play guitar. I also love art, hiking, climbing, camping, and the outdoors. I love traveling and meeting new people and seeing new things. I want to learn more about the diverse cultures all around the world and have personal experiences with people in cities where I travel. Get off the beaten path, see things in a new light, see others point of view and learn something new.

Patrick: I love drawing, painting, animation, rock climbing, cycling, and emerging technologies. Also I have been brewing beer for the past 7 years and am extremely passionate about doing so. It is my hope to learn as much as I can about sustainable living practices and other cultures on my travels to new and exciting places.

• arts
• culture
• flamenco
• environment
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• beer
• farmers' market
• organic food
• yoga
• gardening
• traveling
• socializing
• homebrewing
• painting
• drawing
• music
• live music
• punk music
• jazz
• rock music
• guitar
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• rock climbing
• animation
• wwoof
• sustainability
• permaculture

Music, Movies, and Books

Kelly's Fav's- Benny and Joon, Snatch, Lock Stock, Fight Club, Return of the Living Dead, Hero, Amelie, and pretty much any mind opening movie.
Music- I love all kinds of music, but my favorites are punk, oldies, rockabilly and psychobilly, garage, indie, thrash, and metal. I'm open to listening to anything with a good beat and interesting lyrics. On more mellow occasions I like old jazz and blues, instrumental and world music.

Patrick's favs: The Big Lebowski, The Iron Giant, Triplets of Belleville, Incredibles, Maltise Falcon, and some others.
Books: Naked Lunch, A Clockwork Orange, Mycellium Running, Dorian Gray, Herobear and the kid.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I hopped a freight train with my friend and some travelers. It was one of the most inspiring and humbling moments of my life. It was such a beautiful ride, hearing the rickey rack of the train on the tracks and seeing the beautiful scenery wizzing by. The freedom of traveling minimalist and not knowing where you may end up or when was amazing.

Seeing the sunrise over Mt. Fuji- I felt so at peace and in touch with the non-human side of life. Climbing and enjoying the physical and mental endurance to see the sights from above the clouds is so rewarding!

Teach, Learn, Share

I want to share my knowledge of music, gardening, and love for the outdoors. I am always open to give people tips and pointers on where to go, what to see, and where to eat.

I want to learn more about sustainability and "green" options for living.

What I Can Share with Hosts

One of my philosophies when surfing is to give something back to my host(s), go out for drinks or dinner, help keep the place clean and clean up after myself- General courtesies that every surfer should do!

Good conversation: Knowledge about growing food and plants, traveling and the airlines, music and art, and just about anything involving the outdoors.

Good food: I love cooking and sharing wonderful meals with others.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Laos, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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