CURRENT MISSION

To understand how every other individual in this world experiences life.

ABOUT ME

I am an independent free spirit with so much to learn about this world (don't we all?). I have grown up in a small town rural environment, and in the past 7 years have lived in the large cities of Kansas City and Seattle in the United States. I just returned home from traveling for the past 8 months, starting in Central America and then onto the Mediterranean. It was a whimsical adventure where I typically decided what to do after I wake up that day.

I currently live in a house with 4 other people in Seattle and have learned much about the respect, responsibility and cleanliness needed to make a living situation such as this work well and have made many strong friendships thoughout this experience.

Conversation, good food and lots of laughter is what makes me thrive and I seek to make these things a part of my everyday life.

I also seek knowledge and is the reason for my travels and am not satisfied to just go and see places, I want to experience the people and natural settings of these places, it is these things that define a 'place'.

PHILOSOPHY

I live my life to experience happiness and wonder. If I die today, I will be able to say I have lived a successful life since I strive to make my days full of these things in their many forms, friends, laughter, food, conversation, adventure and whatever else that randomly comes my way for me to make the most of!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I heard about couchsurfing from fellow travelers and friends near the end of my most recent travels. I am an easy, independent and respectful guest that wants be out of the house during the day and looks forward to the company and conversation of my host and maybe even some of their friends! I will never just be looking for a free place to stay.

I am now able to host and am looking forward to meeting other Couch Surfers to give back some of the kindness and hospitality I have recieved on my adventure. Hosting offers a opportunity to have travel experiences while I live a sedentary lifestyle!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Before entering the CS community my couchsurfing has included college dormroom couchsurfing and staying with friends upon moving to a new city as I search for a place to live.

Some of my craziest experiences include riding with random Pearl Jam friends from a show in Phoenix to Las Vegas to catch a few z's on their brother's floor before that night's show. And most recently, near Macomer on the island of Sardegna, I asked a farmer if I could pitch a tent on his land and he offered me a couch inside a shed and then proceded to load me up with fresh vegetables from his garden!

Interests

Making friends, Traveling, Conversation, Languages, Culture, General Anthropology, Music, Cooking and food production, Camping/Hiking/Backpacking...

• culture
• environment
• dining
• cooking
• beer
• gardening
• traveling
• music
• hiking
• backpacking
• camping
• anthropology
• history
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Music:
Independent Rock 'n Roll is the staple of my music listening, though all of this world's musical creations excite me and I love being introduced to new music. A small sample of what I love includes: The Clash, Pearl Jam, William Elliott Whitmore, Neil Young, Joni Mitchel, Bright eyes, Dismemberment Plan, Karate, Ben Harper, Bob Marley, Fugazi, Stevie Wonder, Blackalicious, Dead Prez, Death Cab for Cutie, Explosions in the Sky, Willy Nelson, Neko Case...

Books:
Non-fiction takes up the bulk of my reading time. History, politics and philosophy is what I usually reach for, though classic works of fiction are becoming more important to me. Recent books and some books that left a lasting impression include: An Oral History of the Spanish Civil War, Living My Life by Emma Goldman, Walden by Henry David Thoreau, Ishmael by Daniel Quinn, The Language Older Than Words by Derick Jensen, Orwell's works 1984 and Homage to Catalunya, Long Walk to Freedom: Nelson Mandela's Autobiography, For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemmingway... I am currently reading the Old Testament and plan to read the Koran next.

Movies:
I have recently had top ten list discussions with friends, so here it is in no particular order: Shawshank Redemption, Amandla: A Revolution in 4-part Harmony, Lord of the Rings (all three), The Matrix (only the first one), Fight Club, Good Will Hunting, Amilie, Baraka, American Movie, Papillon

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Experienced random adventures day after day overseas for 8 months straight!

Teach, Learn, Share

While traveling the things I have to share and teach are cultural: English language, food as well as cultural and political discussions.

When at home I have more to offer: Better cooking skills, since I have better access and knowledge of kitchen and where to get ingredients. Beer Brewing and apple cider pressing/fermenting! English language practice through cultural and political discussion with me AND my friends!

I really want to learn anything and everything about your culture and history as well as your language. And any skill sharing activities excite me, I always like to improve my brain!

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Austria, Canada, El Salvador, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Guatemala, Italy, Madagascar, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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