I am an artist photographer, film maker, master ink-jet print-maker, photojournalist, author and independent curator. I am also a Canadian citizen, and have lived for extensive periods in the UK, Finland and Nepal. Currently I divide my time between Finland and Nepal.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I work for extended periods with development agencies in Nepal. I'm offering my apartment in Riihimäki for an individual, student or couple while I am away. Minimum expected stay should be 2 weeks.

Interests

• photography
• printmaking
• sustainable development
• video production
• southeast asia

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have some experience travelling to various parts of the world for my work and all of these combine to be amazing experiences. I rarely hang out with other travellers, though this is simply because I don't stay where they stay. Instead I find myself living with local people.

What I Can Share with Hosts

If you come to stay while I am at home we will enjoy conversation about my travels (and hopefully yours) and some nice food together. I'm always kind of busy on my Nepal projects - even when I'm here in Finland - so you can expect to hear stories about Nepal - until you can't take any more and book yourself a flight to go there!

I'm not much into alcohol, but you are welcome to buy your own and enjoy it in moderation.

You will have the sofa to sleep on which pulls out on wheels and folds flat enough for a good night's sleep. There is no real 'bedroom' in this apartment as the second room is occupied by my office equipment, book storage and a rather large Epson 7900 printer. If you are a photographer - know how to use these beasts - and want to make a few prints, then you are in luck! You can use this printer with your own stock of paper and just pay for the ink at cost. There is good WiFi connection with Telia-Sonera 4G.

If you are staying a month or so I'll put all my clothes from one cupboard into storage and you can have that one for yourself. I'll let you know at least 2 weeks before I return from abroad so you have a chance to find somewhere else if you want.

I've got a new Iron, new clothes-washing machine and pots and pans, cups and saucers etc and whatever you need to cook for yourself.

My shower is heavenly with an instant hot and powerful stream inside a glass bubble.

Better still, while I'm working abroad, this tiny apartment can be a refuge for you - or you and your partner - and a safe location next to the Army base behind the building. It's really quiet here and the building is well maintained and you will be as snug as a bug in a rug! There is a regular bus service into town and the train to Helsinki or the north is just 25 minutes walk away.

There is a strict no-smoking policy in the building, but you can always hop down the stairs and outside for a few minutes when you need. You'll also meet some of the neighbours doing the same thing.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, England, Estonia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Nepal, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Russian Federation, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, United States, Uzbekistan

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, England, Finland, Nepal