ABOUT ME

I'm curious about the world and the people who inhabit it. I like talking about pretty much anything but I prefer doing things, preferably outdoors. I'm not necessarily good at any of my hobbies (probably because I have too many), but I do have fun doing them, especially with other people who don't take themselves too seriously.

https://instagram.com/nicholson5822

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

There are no strangers here, only friends you haven't yet met. I really believe this and so do most other couchsurfers. I rarely request a couch out of need; it's just a fun way to travel. One of my favorite kicks is to find a quiet and overlooked spot in a busy urban area and stealth hammock camp just out of view. Some of my favorite camping spots have been on a bluff overlooking Knoxville and the Tennessee River, in the middle of a highway cloverleaf exit with an amazing view of the U.S. Capitol, and on a secret beach in a busy part of the Toronto area. If I request to stay with someone, it's not just because I need lodging, but because I like people and want to meet new ones.

I host as often as I can, but I'm away from home frequently, so I often have to decline requests, but I'm always happy when people ask. Even if I can't host someone, I'll try to help them in some way as they pass through my part of the world. If I'm lucky enough to be able to host you, I hope we can get outside and enjoy being alive together.

Interests

In the past I ran a small canoe outfitter and I've always tried to spend lots of time on the water, mostly in or on self-propelled or wind-propelled things. Other hobbies are skiing, biking, and running barefoot through the mountains like a fool. I make my own camping gear and like seeing what other people fashion for themselves.

• running
• cycling
• canoeing
• sailing
• skiing

Music, Movies, and Books

I like most music I've been exposed to except really conversational opera, really non-melodic death metal, and really whiny contemporary R&B. Oh yeah, and smooth jazz. I really hate smooth jazz.

I don't know how much a person's taste in movies reflects on their personality, but my favorite movie is Strange Brew. I can watch Office Space endlessly. I also really like Twilight Zone marathons.

My favorite books usually have something to do with sailing, at least superficially. Moby Dick, Typee, and the Boat Who Wouldn't Float are favorites.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Experienced love.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love cooking and I'm happy to make a meal, but taking over someone's kitchen can get kind of complicated, so I'm just as happy to go to a favorite restaurant and buy my host a meal and some drinks. I like helping in any other way I can. More than anything I hope we can share some good conversation and spark a friendship. I love when hosts become guests and visa versa.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Haiti, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Puerto Rico, Spain, Switzerland, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Puerto Rico, United States