ABOUT ME

I'm enthusiastic and personable. In general I'm helpful and accommodating as a host.

Due to attempts at balancing an overwhelming amount of host requests with my own life as a local, working Chicagoan, I have a relatively low acceptance rate. I give priority to (1)foreign travelers, (2)travelers over the age of 25, (3)2-3 day stays during weekend, (4)responsible travelers. However, I do have a very high response rate, so in most cases I will respond quickly

PHILOSOPHY

Try everything once. Enjoy life within reason. Safe travels!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Usually hosting, occasionally surfing.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Willing and able to host for surfers that have a flexible itinerary and are looking to enhance their travel with some local perspective. Also, when I can, trying to utilize site as a low-cost means to travel, where I can also use local knowledge to make the trip unique and find some personal connection to the places I visit.

Interests

• running
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• surfing
• rock climbing
• divinity
• law
• ecotourism

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: Inception, Dumb and Dumber, Ted, Star Wars, Nightcrawler, That old Feeling, Frankie and Johnny, 2001, Jackie Brown, The Hustler, Vertigo, Planet of the Apes, Wes Anderson movies, The Shining, The Outsiders, Back to the Future, Woody Allen movies, Batman: The Dark Knight, Summer of Sam, Birdman, Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Blues Brothers, Ghostbusters, Zorba the Greek, The Big Lebowski, Books: Seabiscuit, On the Road, Kite Runner, Atlas Shrugged, Devil in the White City, The World According to Garp, Great Expectations, Fahrenheit 451, 1984, Jurassic Park, Decoding the Heavens, Kurt Vonnegut, John Irving, Catcher in the Rye, Albert Camus. Music: Going back to when I was an adolescent/20something: tried-and-true classic rock cannon--- bands like the Stones, Zeppelin, Who, Fleetwood Mac, to more technically progressive like Jethro Tull, old Genesis, Frank Zappa to more Southern/Country: Allman Brothers, Lynard Skynard, and of course the all-American Grateful Dead! Heavy 90s alternative such as Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Faith No More, NIN(No "nu metal bands, however such as Korn, The punk rock scene(not necessarily the music, but the overall flavor of the sub-culture), definitely NOT pop-punk such as Blink 82! I have a soft spot for old classic metal bands like Metallica and Megadeth, Black Sabbath, OZZY! I've always liked the pop music I grew up with---too many artists to name: Tears for Fears, Peter Gabriel, U2, Billy Idol, Madonna, Bon Jovi, The Cure, the Commodores, Run DMC, Beastie Boys, Gloria Estefan, Michael Jackson, Yacht Rock(Christopher Kross, Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, Hall and Oates, etc,etc)!! Growing into my 30s and trying to adapt to new styles of music----intrigued by but not well-versed in the indie-rock scene including bands like Arcade Fire, newer trip-hop r&b influenced urban artists, like the Fugees, plush-relaxed soundscapes at posh rooftop coctail lounge sounds good to me! To top it off, blues, jazz, classical, folk, and last but not least, some old passionate Greek crooners belting out songs evoking the beautiful shores and landscapes and people of my parent's homeland, Greece!

All that being said, now that I'm old, I usually just listen to the news, traffic and weather!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

A solo east coast road-trip was exciting, especially at such a break-neck pace. Made an acquaintance with foreign traveler in New York and she accompanied me back to Chicago. Her host family was stunned and very much in opposition of the decision, I felt like the classic American fugitive running from "Johnny Law"!

Went tree-climbing this summer in a park. I scaled up several trees, some higher than others. During one particular climb, I made it so high-up I was literally shaking buy fortunately made it down safely.

Teach, Learn, Share

Learning about things first-hand from people. I want to get a glimpse into the world from another perspective. I also need to start planning some trips and need advice. In exchange, I will share with you the best spots in Chicago, what to do, where to go, how to get around, etc.

We can discuss Environmental Sustainability. My primary theology is "People, Profit, Planet". There needs to be financial health in the world as well as a balanced, healthy ecosystem.

I'm interested in hearing about efficient, safe, and exciting ways of traveling globally. I'm not very physically fit for outdoor activities, but still would like to get involved with ecotourism and traveling lightly and cost-efficiently. I'm going to explore the couchsurfing groups more and will definitely ask you questions if you stay, particularly with regards to your home.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, England, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Mexico, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States