CURRENT MISSION

Make good food and eat it.

ABOUT ME

I'm an easygoing and low-key person that likes to get out and experience new things. But of course hanging out with friends over a cold beer or rakija more powerful than gasoline is always refreshing too. I enjoy traveling and learning, and I'd like to enlighten myself a bit on the places and people of this world while I'm out and about on my travels.
I was born in California, raised in Washington state, and grew up in Pennsylvania before going back to Washington for college. After graduating, I moved to Macedonia to work as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
I volunteered for about 2 years in Kratovo, Macedonia where I worked as an English teacher at the local high school. I had a truly awesome experience working with the students and other teachers and living with my host family there. It is something that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life.
After the Peace Corps, I traveled around Europe for a couple of months before heading back to the states, where I am now (most of the time).

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I'd like to be able to meet some locals wherever I happen to visit, and a great way to do that is by couchsurfing. Even more so than checking out all of the museums and sites of the place, I think that getting to know the locals is the best way to really experience and learn about the culture of an area.

While I'm hanging around at home, it would be great to be able to host travelers from all over. It makes life a bit more interesting.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've couchsurfed quite a few times, and I've had a great experience almost every single time...had a few late night conversations, ate and made a lot of good food together, tried lots of new regional drinks, got some great advice on places to go and things to try while in the area, and was toured around a bit.

Interests

Reading, sports, science, music, food, writing, nutrition, the great outdoors, traveling.

• culture
• writing
• dining
• cooking
• cheese
• beer
• drinking
• reading
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• sports
• teaching
• languages
• science
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: Zoolander, Toy Story, Men of Honor, Gladiator, Spy Games, Finding Forrester, Troy, Shawshank Redemption.
Music: Pearl Jam, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Marcy Playground, Jay-Z, Bob Marley, Andrea Bocelli, Volbeat, Mattafix, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Kooks, Jetpack Jones, Mando Diao.
Books: Gulliver's Travels, A Confederacy of Dunces, Great Expectations, The Little Prince.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I went more than a year without eating cheddar cheese.

Teach, Learn, Share

I might have a thing or two to teach, learn, or share, but that depends on who I'm with. I spent 2 years trying to teach kids English, so I might be able to help you out a bit if you wanted. I also read a lot about science and health stuff, so I could regurgitate some of that information if it tickles your fancy.
In case I haven't said this before, I really like food. I'm always down to learn how to cook a favorite dish of yours. And I'm always up for learning a few useful words in the local language when I'm traveling. I'm not the best with languages, but I try.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Serbia, Sint Maarten (Dutch part), South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

Macedonia, United States