CURRENT MISSION

back in Sheffield and happy

ABOUT ME

I'm easy going and approachable, always positive, creative and active.

Sheffield is my spiritual (and actual) home and I'll never leave. I've lived and worked in Africa for years; Angola and South Africa. I've been playing guitar and bass in bands for ages; mixing afro-beat and garage-pop.

I'm clean and tidy! I don't smoke, I don't carry pets (at least not on inter-continental travels).
I'm English, my sense of humour is dry.
I do carry a guitar (and will sing for money when I have to).

A German guy once said to me that the English don't make quick or easy friendships, but when they do make friendships they are strong ones that you can rely upon.

A Czech guy once said to me that people who stay away from their home country for more that four years will never feel that they belong there again. I'm finding out that its possible to belong in new ways.

I said to a Danish friend once "you Danish are so un-polite when it comes to saying please". She replied; "You English are always smiling, but we don't believe you!"

PHILOSOPHY

I'm a Humanist, an urbanist, an environmentalist, an Africanist and sometimes, even a guitarist : )

Pourquoi je suis sur Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I don't have a couch to offer at the moment, but I like to meet up with Sheffield CSer's whenever possible.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

In 2007 I travelled from South Africa to England by road and really made the best of Couchsurfing. People have taken care of me from Pretoria to Mombassa, Khartoum to Cairo, Damascus to Istambul, from Belgrade to Budapest. I'm so greatfull. I just hope I have given something in return.

Centres d'intérêt

I'm interested in development, changing what is around me, moving things, moving people, moving forward. The educational methods of Paulo Freire for community development. I'm interested in design that serves people, especially the architectural methods of Christopher Alexander. I'm interested in Humanism, our freedom and responsibility. I'm interested in what the rest of life on earth can teach humanity, the ideas of Daniel Quinn. I'm interested in problem solving and action, the potential of Africa, in liberation movements. I'm interested in working together and living together, sharing vision and purpose, conflicts and challenges, in a common life.

• pets
• singing
• architecture
• design
• politics
• music
• guitar
• teaching
• volunteering

Morceaux de musique, films et livres

Just a few of my favourites: Stevie Wonder's Fulfillingness' First Finale, Bob Dylan's Desire, Stereolab's Dots and Loops, Franco and OK Jazz, Orcestra Baobab's Pirate's Choice, the Stones' Exile on Main St, Underworld's Dubnobassinmyheadman, the Smiths' hatful of hollow, Mafikizolo's Sibongile,

Une aventure extraordinaire que j'ai vécue

As a teacher in a pan-African development college I have had the privilage to inspire and support young Africans who will be the community leaders of tomorrow.

Enseignez, apprenez, partagez

I know something about community development. A few things about architecture and urbanism, and a bit about Africa. I know too much about pop music and not enough about politics.

I'd like to promote a favourite project here; if you are interested in volunteering for development work in Southern Africa, there is a great 12 month programme at KwaZulu-Natal Experimental College, in Durban, South Africa. Check its website: www.volunteerinsouthafrica.org

Pays que j'ai visités

Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Mozambique, Netherlands, Norway, Sudan, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Tanzania, Turkey, Zimbabwe

Pays dans lesquels j'ai vécu

Angola, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom

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