ABOUT ME

As a youth, I backpacked all over, often benefiting from the kindness of strangers.
I would like to help others have the same experience.

I don't get to travel as much as I used to. When I do, I try to meet people and hear their stories, especially the true ones.

Married with four kids. I am not searching for myself, or plagued with existential ennui.

PHILOSOPHY

When is comes to travel, Jefferson was wrong and Twain was right. Or maybe Elvis Costello: "They say that travel broadens the mind, till you can't get your head out of doors."

So relax. Usually you'll get more out of that cup of coffee or drink with a stranger than from soaring that hemp parasail over the rainforest.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have a spare room or actual couches available; depending on how many of my kids are in town. Come check it out.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have surfed and been surfed quite a lot. Unfortunately, CS wiped out all the old references and vouches when they went commercial.

Interests

I like to learn about the history of things: how a city or industry or building came to be the way it is. And how people came to be who they are. I like to see the connections between things. That sounds more mystical than it is.

• backpacking
• history
• local music
• hammock camping
• gemütlichkeit

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: I like histories and biographies and books with bibliographies. I sprinkle in a few fictions.
Music: I play bass and used to work as a sound engineer. I like music played by people with chops.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Being backstage for Ladysmith Black Mambazo when Mandela was released.

The tiny, local Volksfest in otherwise-touristy Rothenburg od Tauber.

Crossing Checkpoint Charlie in 1985.

Everytime I walk off a plane and hear that first non-English announcement.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am not usually looking for a couch: rather, a drink and a chat. Let's trade local knowledge or stories.

Countries I’ve Visited

Algeria, Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United States

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