CURRENT MISSION

To be intellectually honest with myself and in all my relationships

ABOUT ME

I think of myself as a very enthusiastic person, but quite relaxed and easy-going. I enjoy small get-togethers with friends and acquaintances that are filled with lively conversation, red wine, home cooked food, and endless cups of dark-roasted coffee. I am a good listener and am someone who I hope brings out the best in people. I love to pamper all of my friends/guests when they visit and go out of my way to make them feel like royalty.

I hate condescension and arrogance in any form and do my best to treat others with respect and equality. I am a person who always tries to iron out any problems before they arise.

I love the new and extraordinary. I despise dull, regular routines and if this is what I am faced with, I will simply create my own drama and excitement. I am someone who bounces back from any feelings of despair or unfortunate events.

PHILOSOPHY

Whenever you go on a trip to visit foreign lands or distant places, remember that they are all someone's home and backyard.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've been teaching English overseas for many years which has brought me so many rewards, the most valuable being long lasting friendships. I love engaging students, colleagues and friends in thought provoking conversations . Helping students learn 'how to learn' is what really motivates me the most.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I'm new to the couch surfing website but not new to the concept. I have hosted numerous people from many countries in my home. Several of my friends turned me on to the their couch surfing experiences, so I decided to become a member myself.

Interests

swimming, running, hiking, biking, skydiving, reading and playing racquetball wherever I can find a court

• dining
• wine
• red wine
• coffee
• running
• reading
• music
• blues
• cycling
• hiking
• surfing
• skydiving
• racquetball
• swimming
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: Classic cinema!!

Music: To varied to cover here. But these days I'm listening to Jazz from the 1920's, 'Low' by David Bowie, the soundtrack to David Lynch's 'Lost Highway', and a lot of traditional Turkish folk music.

Books: These days I have a string interest in books on antiquity and travel. Currently, I'm reading some classic traveller's tales on Istanbul and a book on the life of Alexander the Great.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I swam the Bosphorus Strait from Asia to Europe last summer (2012). Went Skydiving over the ancient city of Efes too

Teach, Learn, Share

Being from Memphis, I had the opportunity to grow up in an American city rich in history and cultural heritage. One subject that fascinated me growing up was the history and influence of Delta Blues Music. While I attended university, I hosted a radio program that showcased many local blues and R&B artists. It's a subject that I never get tired of learning and talking about.

Countries I’ve Visited

Costa Rica, Czech Republic, France, Mexico, Morocco, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

Chile, Guatemala, Japan, South Korea