I love to push my limits both physically and mentally. My prized possessions include my sense of patience, honesty, and discipline. I’ve been told I’m pleasant to be around. My ultimate goal is to circumnavigate the globe by sailboat and master as many languages as my brain will allow.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m here because I thoroughly enjoy travelling, and meeting interesting new people. My general life experience really does improve when I get to hear someone’s story. I find having common experiences is a wonderful way to build a bond with a person, and having totally different experiences is a wonderful way to build a richer bond with the world at large. I have many friends and family members that have made long-lasting friendships, been reminded of the kindness of others, and generally had a good time using this platform, I don’t want to risk missing out!

Interests

I have a very broad range of interests. I come from Colorado, the land of the Rocky Mountains, which has informed many of my preferences, I love the outdoors; I like skiing, hiking, rock climbing, and backpacking. I’ve also been known to enjoy the pleasures of home; I like to read, watch movies, listen to music, and cook. I’m also a mild craftsman of sorts, I like doing metalwork and am an avid gardener.

• culture
• cooking
• movies
• traveling
• metalworking
• survival
• music
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• backpacking
• skiing
• rock climbing
• languages
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Both my parents are classical musicians by profession and my siblings and I grew up playing piano and violin or cello, so that genre of music is in my blood; I’m a big Bach, Vivaldi, and Handel fan (who isn’t). I’m also a devout fan of Above & Beyond, love me some Red Hot Chili Peppers, Royksopp, Ratatat, and Infected Mushroom. My taste in movies is as bizarre a mix as my music tastes. My top favorite movies would have to be Jean de Fleurette, Kikujiro, Terminator II, Princess Bride, Interstellar, Princess Mononoke, Willow, Star Wars (most), and Lord of the Rings (all). My favorite books are The Catcher in the Rye, the Harry Potter series, the Wheel of Time series, pretty much all of Malcolm Gladwell’s books, and an assortment of books on behavioral science and negotiations.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I saved a guy from drowning one time, he appreciated it.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am known for my patience and am happy to teach. I can teach Mandarin, basic cooking skills, wilderness survival, basic first aid, and patience. I love to learn just as much as (perhaps more than) I like to teach. I want to learn about your culture, some basic phrases in your native tongue, and some of your worldly skills, whatever they may be.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can cook a delicious meal for you! I can share conversation and company as well.

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Costa Rica, England, France, Martinique, South Korea

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, United States