At what level does one answer this? As a guest, whether in home or hotel, I am the sort of person who strips the bed and leaves the room tidy. I am the sort of person who is happy listening to conversation as I quietly clear away dinner plates. From experience, I gather that I can be regarded as aloof (but I have yet to work out why), or friendly but keeping self to self, but underneath it all I see my 'inner' self as being in service. To what and whom depends on where I am and whose company I am keeping.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Within Australia my travelling consists of a tentcot stowed in my little car, camping in the bush or at a caravan park.
However, this option is not open when overseas. While my sleeping bag fits within my luggage, I feel I would be more relaxed within someone's home and getting to know the area through my host than trying to find my own way.
In 2009 I spent three months in the UK researching the background for part of my novel. In that time I engaged in working holidays with the National trust. I would welcome any opportunity to explore a different environment where I can feel as if I am being of some use.
My current work "Mixed Fortunes" requires of me that I write some episodes set within South Africa - particularly Natal.

Interests

• books
• environment
• working out
• traveling
• drawing
• camping
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

Leonard Cohen, Bach, U2, Gregorian Chants

both Exotic Marigold Hotel films. The Kings Speech. Bran Due Day

Books: Tend to focus on an author at a time. Currently have a stack of stories written by Marcia Willett and enjoying how she plays with tenses. Makes a change from detective/thriller/psychological dramas which I now tend to pick up and put down too soon. Like some quirky stories which I have found within Smashwords.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Sufficiently angry to put together a book "The Whens of Wittenoom" which consists of chronological history of use of asbestos. I put this up on Smashwords to get it off my desk (along with other works) as soon I discovered the opportunity to self-publish. I had turned down an offer from a print publisher as I was asked to come out damning the mining companies, whereas, to my mind, the criminals in the whole saga were/are the insurance companies. By providing workers compensation cover, the insurance companies gave tacit consent to mining asbestos in Western Australia whereas such cover not available in Canada from 1917. Am a bit surprised by the number of downloads and sales over the last few years.

Teach, Learn, Share

Always willing to learn - hopefully at least something new every day. I will share whatever I can - with one exception - I have had to draw a line at sharing money while always willing to pay fair share, but have had to make it clear (locally) 'ask me for anything, but not money'.
I have lived in and visited several Aboriginal communities. Have been told others learn by watching me as I just get on and do whatever is needed. I am not conscious of 'teaching' while I follow the flow of what is needed. For instance setting up my accommodation which children treated as a safe house. Tried learning the local language in the awareness that one is often taught words one cannot use in polite society. The boys tried teaching me the word for 'bad smell' while I was aware that my body odour differed. When I asked them to teach me the word for 'good smell' they did not know it so I sent them off to the elders to ask them.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I had some experience couchsurfing in the UK in 2009. What can I share? An ear? A calm get-on-with-things during frazzles, house-sitting during host's emergency. Life histories and experiences - we all have interesting lives.

Countries I’ve Visited

United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United Kingdom