I currently call Orcas Island my home, which is a beautiful rock in the ocean off the coast of Washington State. I live in a that I built and work as a carpenter during the dry season. I am currently traveling the world so as to grow as a person and figure out what to do next in life.

I am a musician as well and have been playing guitar for 21 years. I am more than happy to play for anyone that wants to listen. I was substitute teacher for the past three years, but started getting a few too many grey hairs so I figured it was time for a break. I do intend to return to school eventually to get my teaching license.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am not such a fan of touristy things, and much prefer to travel off the beaten path. I am new to couchsurfing, but it sounds like the perfect way to meet people and get a local experience.

Interests

I am a believer in the idea that money is a renewable resource, but time is not. I am always trying to live each day to its fullest and to just be happy. I find that being outdoors, playing music, or surrounding myself with good people are things that give me the greatest happiness in life. I am more or less easily amused.

• running
• reading
• music
• food
• outdoors
• reading and writing
• being happy

Music, Movies, and Books

I love many types of music, but West African music from Mali speaks to me in no other way. I have been practicing the guitar in this style for the past 10 years. I also love reggae, other world music, and anything that has a good beat and comes from the heart.

I haven't had a tv in years so I don't watch too many movies these days. I don't like horror movies at all as I think they are obscene. I like to either laugh or be transported into a great story.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I taught English in a remote Amazonian community deep in the heart of Ecuador. I lived hundreds of miles from the nearest road amongst the Achuar people. It was an amazing and ancient way of life, and I had my own hut and had to cook all my meals over a fire. I was given food from the forest in exchange for work, and ate all sorts of things from peccary, tapir, palm grubs, and catfish. It was the most powerful experience of my life.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am happy to teach music or English which are my specialties. I have many stories from around the world and love to tell them. I also am quite handy from my carpentry experience, and am happy to help out with whatever needs doing.

I love the quote: "Who is wise? He/she who learns from everyone." I am always looking for new knowledge and can learn from a stone or a fly on a wall.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share all the love and energy in my heart and soul. Travel is one of the most eye opening experiences there is in this life, and while on the move I am in a very open and happy state of mind. I always have a good story up my sleeve, love to entertain with music, and am quick to laugh. To be hosted while traveling is a wonderful gift, and I am always most grateful.

Countries I’ve Visited

Denmark, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States