Hi guys, new to couch surfing, but a veteran of being a great host and crashing at friends' places ;) In general, a really chill, funny guy, passionate about life and hearing about others' lives. A good listener, love seeing new places and the way different people live and create their own spaces.

Have lived with countless roommates and hosted countless friends at my own place, though not through any website. I'm chill about these things, if you're a decent person, it's no trouble for me if you need to crash here in Bangkok. Live and let live. I'm not picky, pampered, or anal about my own space the way some people can be, but also very respectful of your habits, need for privacy, etc.

I have a masters in anthropology and work from home, mostly translating Japanese / English and studying programming. Been living in Thailand for the past few years. Will go to Melbourne next week for some sightseeing / visa renewal. As a guest, I am extremely adaptable. Slept on the floor for years in Japan and actually prefer it (as long as there are no funnel web spiders!).

This website is a great idea that extends the personal philosophy by which I've been living all along. Looking forward to meeting you all.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

In many cultures, crashing at someone's house is a really big deal, but to me, it's never been. I've always believed that a) accommodation shouldn't be expensive; people should be free to live, travel, and have amazing experiences, and b) seeing a new place through a local's eyes is 1000x more precious than any guidebook experience.

In other words, I consider seeing a different way of life more valuable than a view of expensive wallpaper and chlorinated pool in any cushy resort.

Next week, I need a place to crash for a few days when I go to Melbourne for visa renewal. Since I'll be waiting for my visa to come through for two or three days, I figured couchsurfing would be the perfect way to experience Melbourne.

Interests

Italian / Asian cuisine, fermentation (kombucha, kefir, makkgeoli, pickles, kvass, amazake, ale, etc, etc), judo / running, weight training, bass playing (been a while), movies, traveling, beaches, good beer, good music, just hanging out, writing fiction, buddhism

• writing
• cooking
• beer
• running
• meditation
• movies
• traveling
• billiards
• music
• surfing
• buddhist
• anthropology
• languages
• sightseeing
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Elvis Costello, The War on Drugs, Bob Dylan, the Boss

The Prestige, Harold and Maude, Aliens

The Unbearable Lightness of Being, The World According to Garp, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, anything by Jack Vance or Ray Bradbury, Faulkner

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Judo in Japan

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach any of the 5 languages I speak, help with PC programming issues, editing / shaping up English prose, and can share all of the cultures and teach you the skills needed to create the fermented foods that I'm into - kefir, kombucha, etc (let me know in advance). Can also teach judo techniques and buddhist meditation (only if you're interested of course).

What I Can Share with Hosts

My language abilities, my passion for life, my crazy adventure stories, my work experience (translation, programming, English writing and editing, resume and job application composition, interview and public speaking coaching), judo self-defense techniques, my (Italian) cooking skills, my knowledge of buddhism/meditation (only if you're interested), my skill with making things work, and last but not least, my riveting conversation skills!

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, China, England, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Netherlands, Romania, Russian Federation, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, United States, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Hungary, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, United States