I am 26, male, and was raised in Detroit, MI, USA. My academic scholarships pulled me out of generational poverty and sent me to Germany for a Mechanical Engineering degree. During that time, I traveled Europe and discovered a passion for new people, cultures, and places. When I returned to the USA, I took a remote job and lived nomadically for a year before falling in love with the Pacific Northwest. I have since gotten an apartment in Portland, and continued to travel around the region and abroad. I hope to relocate to Oceania next year, but in the mean time I am checking out this system which I've heard so much about.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have had this recommended by a few fellow travelers. I tend to stick to mid-range accommodations, and like hostels for the introduction to fellow travelers. This app seems like it will do a better job of introducing me to locals, which is something I really want to try.

Interests

• trivia
• reading
• rocketry
• cycling
• hiking
• backpacking
• skiing
• engineering
• volunteering
• environmentalism

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite music:
Gordon Lightfoot, Khraungbin, Beatles, King Gizzard, Trampled by Turtles, Willie Nelson, La Luz, Allah Las
Spotify playlist! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4cwTKK8q7qaopSVXJeGLwv?si=u3CtDI9gQhKRt2kQPz94DQ

Favorite movies:
Lord of the Rings, Searching for Sugar Man, Interstellar, Triangle of Sadness, Hereditary

Favorite Books:
The Expanse, Antarctica, Ivanhoe, Silmarillion, Through the Yukon Gold Diggings, Red Mars, Ringworld

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I didn't see mountains until I was 20, but now I am climbing them despite health concerns! Last year I summitted Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams in the winter. This year I hope to tackle Mt. Hood and at least two of the Sisters. Maybe Mt. Whitney too!

Teach, Learn, Share

I don't know very much, but I am happy to share what I do know.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am an engineer with some mechanical skills, and I am an avid outdoorsman with first aid skills who can help plan outings. If you like beer and I am driving from Portland, I could share some of my brewery's local products.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, England, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United States