Hey! My name is Grey, I'm a teaching assistant and graduate student studying philosophy. Clearly, I'm not in it for the money. I've worked a bunch of weird jobs throughout the years in between school -- at a coffee factory and a lifeless cubicle desk job, as a WWI tour guide in the trenches in northern France, as a barista, a dish washer, an outdoor education teacher -- and learned that making money for its own sake is far from my passion in life. I will always take a fun, fulfilling job that doesn't pay much over a boring job with good pay.

I take great care to indulge in the simple pleasures of life, like foraging wild fruits, sculpting clay, climbing trees, tie-dying, and essay writing. I'm a very curious person, taking time to look up things I don't know. In this way, I'll be a student for life. I'm a proud wikipedia editor and enthusiast - it's the only reason why I use the internet most days.

Although I may not be a naturally extroverted person, over the years I've battled my social anxiety to get to a place where I'd rather put myself out there than stay in the shadows. I used to be shy about my absurd sense of humor, but I've since leaned into it and am loving it. I've always been a little weird; but hey, who isn't? Because of my interest in politics and philosophy, I love talking to people in good faith about their lives and their worldviews that came from their experiences, always without judgment. I truly believe that our differences make this world interesting to live in, and there's so much to learn from those around you.
As for my research, I'm interested in Indigenous sovereignty, the history of colonialism, 19th century German philosophy, queer theory and more.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Like many others on this site, I'm here to meet locals, learn from them and to share experiences. After backpacking in Europe twice, I can safely say that my best travel stories I earned by couchsurfing, either through friends or through this site, where I met new friends! I'd always rather stay with someone cool than at a hostel.

When hosting, I want to show Montreal's hidden gems to help others to live like locals. A few times a month I host friends, acquaintances, friends of friends on my couch, but haven't had the opportunity to host someone off this site yet!

Interests

I'm interested in everything, even things I don't particularly like perse.

• architecture
• politics
• backpacking
• camping
• ecology
• economics
• history
• philosophy
• hitchhiking
• cinema
• biking
• cross-country skiing

Music, Movies, and Books

I can get down to anything music-wise, whether it be avant jazz, classic rock, Quebecois prog folk, surf punk, gothabilly or afrobeat.

Some artists of note: Public Enemy, Harmonium Joanna Newsom, Frank Zappa, Miles Davis, Leonard Cohen, The Cramps, The Modern Lovers, The Velvet Underground, King Crimson, Fela Kuti, Portishead, etc.

I love film - particularly fond of the French New Wave, 70s horror, Italian gialo and neorealism, Cronenberg and Lynch! Some of my favourite movies are Fire Walk With Me, Harold and Maude, La Chinoise, Suspiria, But I'm a Cheerleader, Cronenberg's The Fly, and Children of Men.

Favourite authors and philosophers include Leonard Cohen, Kurt Vonnegut, Herbert Marcuse, Glen Coulthard, Friedrich Engels.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I can tell you later

What I Can Share with Hosts

Great conversation, a listening ear, historical fun facts, karaoke nights, I /will/ make you a playlist of songs that remind me of the time I spend on your couch. I never stay anywhere empty handed (it's not my style), so I always bring a bottle of wine or a treat from Montreal! And of course, if you host me, I will always return the favour!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, France