CURRENT MISSION

write, film and photo my travels around the universe

ABOUT ME

A friend once said that being abroad is one's greatest teacher. I couldn't agree more. I want to experience the world and truly see everything it has to offer.

My dream is to live like a local on every continent (well...almost every, sorry Antarctica--maybe a visit?). I've "started" this journey on my home continent as an AmeriCorps volunteer. A cross-country bike trip is in the works to follow that. From there, I'll make the places I visit throughout the world my temporary homes.

*Bigger Update*
Living overseas at the moment. In Italy, paying my respect to the Italians for granting me dual citizenship.

*UPDATE*

My bike trip started on September 11, 2013. My best friend Ryan and I cycled from Winston-Salem, NC to Gainesville, FL. I'll be traveling solo from then on. Follow our adventures at www.clarenceandclaude.com.

PHILOSOPHY

I believe in being happy first and foremost. I also believe our sole purpose in life is create as many life experiences as possible--traveling, serving others, spending time with those you love. For me, these experiences are to be made into stories to tell to my kids when I'm a fat, happy old man.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Currently, I'm traveling around the US by bike. I hope to connect with others during my travels, and in the future, plan on hosting others in what I hope to make my many "homes" around the world.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've been involved in some Couchsurfing meet ups (incredible) and stayed with people while traveling in Europe and the United States.

Interests

I enjoy travel; meeting new people; participating in sports-football, futbol, basketball, hockey; doing crazy fun things--skydiving, ziplining, white water rafting, snorkeling, camping, rock climbing, hiking; writing, thinking, drinking coffee, frequenting live music venues...many other things.

Ryan likes to drum, draw and talk (a lot).

• writing
• environment
• coffee
• drinking
• traveling
• drawing
• music
• live music
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• snorkeling
• skydiving
• sports
• basketball
• rock climbing
• soccer
• hockey
• teaching
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy books by Seth Godin. I like Thoreau quite much. I think Leo is a great actor and therefore thoroughly enjoy movies like Shutter Island, Catch Me If You Can and Inception. Comedy and movies that make you think are typically my go to. I love great lyrics, and bands like the Avett Brothers deliver. The Lumineers, Of Monsters and Men, The Head and the Heart, Vampire Weekend, AWOLNATION, MF Doom, Deer Tick, Ben Howard and many, many others...that's a pretty good start.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

This might not rank high on intensity--but during my stay in Dronero, Italy I sat on top of San Bernardo mountain and drank ice cold water from its aquifer. Total content.

Teach, Learn, Share

I believe that a combination of people and places creates an environment suitable to learning and creating new experiences. These experiences usually create stories--ones that should be passed on by sharing. When people learn about each other--especially those different from themselves--they develop a sense of empathy. If we're all able to develop this ability, the world can and will be a much better place to live.

To tag along, my motto is to live simply, work passionately and explore endlessly. I find it hard to not work towards happiness when I'm developing these three things.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, United States

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