CURRENT MISSION

Creating positive interactions and helping others when I can.

ABOUT ME

I have been a certified California school teacher of science and Spanish for the last 12 years. I am taking a respite from the teaching profession to travel and learn about cultures and lifestyles different than my own. I hope to learn and explore the interface of my interests in environmental science and agriculture by volunteering at farms and staying with similar open minded, positive people . My agricultural interests stem from my work as a wine technician on a vineyard in Central California. I also have experience farming / gardening from work on a small property I own in Nicaragua which I usually visit during the summer months. It is a tropical getaway that promotes healthy living through surfing and a diet based on simple tropical staples such as beans, tortillas and tropical fruits. I would describe myself as hard working and thoughtful. I am an easy going person who is open to learning and living positively.

PHILOSOPHY

Let go of worries and anger. Work honestly, Be compassionate and count your blessings.

Here is a cool quote from Elton Trueblood "A man has made at least a start on discovering the meaning of human life when he plants shade trees under which he knows full well he will never sit."

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have couchsurfed with a few people but have done more hosting in my home. I have hosted friends in both San Clemente and Redondo Beach while I was living there. Now I hope to receive a couch while I do my traveling.

Interests

I like to surf, read, cook and travel. My surfing lifestyle has taken me to some exotic locations around the world, including the Mentawai islands, Philippine Islands, and the Canary Islands.

I've been so lucky to have travelled so much. All over central america, south america, europe and indonesia. Thanks to all those people who made their home mine. Tia Charo in Iquique, Chile, and Ana Lia in Costa Rica!!

• cooking
• fishing
• surfing
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

Most recent - Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. Sea of Cortez by Steinbeck was a good read. Hawaii by James Michener is a great classic and East of Eden, Chrysanthemum - Steinbeck, Black Elk Speaks, Being Peace and The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching - Thich Nhat Hanh

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Indonesia was a great trip - 2 months cruising Bali and Sumbawa. The surf and people were very friendly.

I have a property in a little fishing village in Nicaragua. Several years ago I constructed a simple, little house and I go there to surf, eat well, give thanks and be humbled.
It is an awesome place.

Teach, Learn, Share

I speak Spanish fluently and would be willing to trade lessons for a couch. It would be great to help out my hosts with any home projects, including gardening.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I have general masonry and carpentry skills learned on the job with the construction of my home on the coast of Nicaragua as well as side jobs I have had during the summer months. These construction skills include framing, dry walling, brick laying, concrete work and tiling and to a lesser extent plumbing and electrical work. I have learned a lot about tropical fruit trees and the care it takes for successful harvests. I believe a lot can be accomplished with a shovel, wheelbarrow and a machete! One can plant and harvest bananas, cocos, and yuca with these . I worked on a winery in Central California for three years, so I understand the fermentation process and labor involved in wine making. I am certified to drive a forklift. I speak Spanish fluently. I have a positive, social disposition which is helpful when working with others or as a team leader.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

Costa Rica, Nicaragua, United States