CURRENT MISSION

...to travel slowly thru Europe lending a helping hand on organic farms, and gardening on the Flathead River in NW Montana. In transit I would rather be with new or old friends eating a wholesome meal than alone in an impersonal, other space.

https://www.facebook.com/riccardo.piva.73
ABOUT ME

Seven years ago I resigned my position with the US Forest Service. I worked 20 years in the biggest, officially designated, wilderness in the contiguous US. I lived for six months of the year without electricity and at times enjoyed relative solitude. At other times many people from around the world flew into my place of work to raft a famous whitewater river, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Since leaving the Forest Service I have gardened with friends. I like gardening and connecting with nature in a meaningful way; ergo my desire to travel Europe helping organic farmers. I am a dual national = US/Italian. I speak some Italian, French and German. I strive to stay healthy. I enjoy working outside and with animals, (humans, too). I have always sensed there's more than meets the eye and I am drawn to the mystery of life.

PHILOSOPHY

I strive to be aware and open to all that is and is not manifest. I accept my feelings whether they are perceived as being good or bad. I choose to be free and not afraid.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I think the couchsurfing project encourages cross-cultural understanding and helps to dismantle the entrenched "this is mine and that is yours" mentality that capitalism/consumerism fosters. I am happy to help anyone who puts me up for a night or two by lending a hand around the house, garden, etc...just let me know.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I haven't couchsurfed yet, but I'm looking forward to doing so. My main exposure to couchsurfing has been through my neighbors and friends, Sarah and Alan. I have met so many interesting people through Sarah and Alan opening up their home and hearts to people from around the world. That was before. Two years ago I couchsurfed for the first time in Las Vegas, NV and in Amsterdam, the Netherlands for a total of four nights. I met some incredibly generous and friendly people.

Interests

Languages, animals, organic gardening and WWOOFing, cooking, movies, consciousness studies, buddhism, meditation, yoga, stretching, biking, hiking, swimming, photography, art, architecture, being naked....

• animals
• arts
• architecture
• photography
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• yoga
• working out
• meditation
• gardening
• clothing
• movies
• traveling
• music
• cycling
• hiking
• buddhist
• swimming
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Book: Being Nobody, Going Nowhere = a Buddhist primer

Movie: The Best Offer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJGleGyahC8

Music: electronic dance, folk, 60's, soul, etc...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hmmm....most recently a friend and I hiked into a natural hotsprings where we soaked at the river's edge and watched a full moon and Jupiter rise.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you English, albeit rural Idaho English, (smile). I stretch a lot and find it really helps my body stay supple and younger. If you have a hoola hoop I can teach you the basics and we can have lots of fun doing it! If you've never gardened I can give you a helping hand; a practiced hand...I'm super good at weeding, watering and soil building. I enjoy letting the sun warm my naked body and through my example I can help you enjoy and honor your own, clothes-less body. I can share what I know about nutrition and if you are open to dance and movement with music, then I'm sure we'd enjoy each other's company.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Enthusiasm, positivity, good food and energy.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Denmark, Dominica, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Mauritania, Netherlands, Saint Lucia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, Italy, Switzerland, United States

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