Boy, this is like a dating profile where you try and distinguish yourself, representing yourself as somehow special. I would like to avoid that.

I've lived in the New York City metro area for over 30 years but I proudly (but without making a big show about it, of course!) identify as being from Wisconsin. We Midwesterners are more considerate and laid back than East Coasters.

I am single and a widower for 6 years now. I'm retired after a career in IT, and now I sing classical repertoire, such as opera, oratorio and sacred music as an avocation. I like how this music requires so much from you as a human being. I also play tennis!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Currently, I am nearing the time for leaving New Jersey. I want to live in Europe for a while, specifically, Germany, so that I can continue to study singing. This undertaking will require reconnaissance! Couchsurfing will be a great help to me, as I will have an opportunity to meet real people in the communities where they live. I will be able to make a more informed decision about where to live and study. Also, I hate spending money on hotels. What a waste!

Interests

• singing
• dining
• gardening
• opera
• tennis
• bridge
• choral singing

Music, Movies, and Books

My brother and I from time to time list our favorite movies, so let me try and remember from last time... The French Connection, The Sound of Music, West Side Story, It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, Vertigo, Gone With the Wind, The Graduate, Amadeus, The Manchurian Candidate, Fargo, The Godfather. Okay, I cheated, I looked up some lists online, but not all of the above were on the critics' lists!

As for books, I will have to revisit this question. For pure enjoyment, I really appreciate a series, such as the Master and Commander series by Patrick O'Brian and the Inspector Montalbano books by Andrea Camilleri. Sadly, I have read these in their entirety. I like the authors John Le Carre and Kate Atkinson, and many others.

As for music, classical singers!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

This accomplishment is in two parts. The first part was a big flop on my part when at nearly 60, I accepted a spot in a summer Opera program, performing the role of Inspector Budd in Britten's Albert Herring. I developed stage fright and didn't complete the program, or perform in the opera. The second part is that immediately following my return home, I started rehearsals for a production of Barber of Seville. This was my debut, and I sang the role of Dr. Bartolo. A major role. I experienced a lot of anxiety but I hung in there, and pulled it off. I had no idea I could perform comedy. Who knew!

Teach, Learn, Share

Join your chorus!
Play tennis!
Assist in making dinner.
Buy groceries.
Hike!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Groceries and/or a meal out

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States