Hi! I'm John. I'm leaving the United States to backpack Europe for the summer, after which I'll study for my Master's degree in Ireland!

I love new experiences and meeting new people, whether it's conversation over coffee, visiting a museum, listening to live music or a full-blown adventure! I'm open-minded, extremely social and truly love exploring. If you teach me something about your culture I'd love to teach you something about mine!

My friends describe me as dependable, kind, and (depending on the friend,) tall! I really value the important things in life: art, music, authentic experiences, and above all, human relationships.

I'd love to learn about how other people live and believe that in doing so I can learn more about myself.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To make new friends, explore new cities, stay with locals and engage in a cultural exchange. In my backpack is a bunch of ultralight camping gear so if you're looking to surf with me or go on a wild adventure to a new destination, let's go!

If you're musically inclined let me know and we can jam! I play guitar and banjo.

Interests

• arts
• politics
• music
• guitar
• hiking
• public policy
• language exchange
• cultural immersion
• food
• nature
• exploring
• meeting new people
• european union

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Radiohead, Mac Demarco, Warpaint, Debussy, Laura Marling, Father John Misty, Grizzly Bear, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, Kendrick Lamar, Arcade Fire, the Doors, John Coltrane, David Bowie, Jose Gonzales, and a million others. I love classical, jazz, and folk music as well, and I'd love to be introduced to new stuff!

Movies/Series: Master of None, Scrubs, House of Cards, the Grand Budapest Hotel, GATTACA, Baraka

Books: 1984, Siddartha, Demian, the Wheel of Time, Stormlight Archive, the Meditations (Aurelius,) historical biographies such as: Washington: a Life, American Ulysses, the Bully Pulpit, etc. Lord of the Rings, a People's History of the United States, Speaker for the Dead, Ender's Game.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I once had my own radio talk show!

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you how to write your name in Arabic, a tiny bit of German or Arabic, about American politics, history, or culture.

I am open-minded and willing to learn anything you're wiling to teach!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Great conversation, a passion for learning, an attentive ear, and a willingness to take risks and explore new places.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Slovenia, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United States