I'm a West Australian, who's recently moved to Wellington with his girlfriend, for studies in Zoology and Paleontology. I have just come from living in Paris, France, for the past 4 months (and before that, England), and am looking to meet people in New Zealand and share experiences.

Whether its in daily life or in travel, I get the reputation as the guy 'who knows things.' Such nicknames I have earnt are: 'The Sage/Oracle;' 'Gandalf;' 'Google;' and 'The Walking Dictionary.'

This is evidence of 3 things I very much like to do:
1) Learn about fascinating things ;
2) Talk about said things;
3) Share in the excitement of ideas with a like-minded individual.

Some topics I love to talk about: avant-garde theology; evolutionary biology; science-fiction; conspiracy theories; early-Christianity; anarchist theory; and etymology.

However, I try to live by the Golden mean too, and like the non-academic life as well.

I'm an avid kayaker and hiker. I've explored the south and east of Tasmania, and trekked up to the feet of the Anapurnas (before getting sick...). More recently, I've explored the moors of Devonshire, camped in the freezing cold without a sleeping bag, and have begun trekking through the Wellington area, when I have the time. The West Australian bushland is one of my favourite places to get lost in the natural world. I especially recommend Menzies and the land near Kalgoorlie!

For 10 years I have trod the boards, as an amateur and professional actor.
So far, my favourite role would be Lady Bracknell (donning women's clothes and make-up can be fun).

Professionally, I am a teacher - and some days, when being non-professional, I like to spend the day playing guitar.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have been travelling around/living in Tasmania, Nepal, France, and England, for the past 15 months, and have now moved to Wellington. Throughout that time, I have enjoyed the company of the many people I have met.

In short, I like enjoy to share ideas - meet new people - find great ideas and incorporate them into my life - and to leave others with the good ideas I have discovered myself.

Interests

Kayaking; hiking; philosophy; avant-garde theology; evolutionary biology; science-fiction; conspiracy theories; early-Christianity; anarchist theory; etymology; the French-language; cooking; and exploring the forest/woods/jungle/bush.

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies:
The Watchmen
Interstellar
Total Recall
A Clockwork Orange
Wallace and Gromit

Books:
The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross
The Man in the High Castle
Slaughterhouse Five
Papillion

Music:
Led Zeppelin
OMFO
Donovan
Genesis
Queen
Stromae
Bach

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Moving to Europe, finding work, and beginning a new life.
And now, taking the first step towards becoming a paleontologist (a life-long dream).

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you about: the English language (practically and historically); how to cook stir-fry (among others things, such as Louisianan chicken); how to do accents; philosophy; performance and public-speaking; convesational French and some Italian; meditation techniques.

I am interested in whatever can be taught to me. Whatever I learn will contribute to my life.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Aside from the things I can teach, mentioned above, I can share the happy company I try to provide and the strange little facts of which I am full.

Countries I’ve Visited

England, France, Italy, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, England, France, Nepal, New Zealand