Retired, coupled gay guy (bf: Kevin Alyono on Couchsurfing), easygoing, non-smoker, social drinker. Very nonjudgmental and looking to meet different kinds of people and have new experiences.

Raised as latchkey kid in single parent household (working mother). Emotionally mature, very self-sufficient. Interested in participating in social activities and seeing how other people live.

Turned 50 in 2015, taking workshops on memoir writing, and open to what the universe has to offer.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm interested in meeting real people and building my network of friends and social experiences. Live and travel like Anthony Bourdain: https://matadornetwork.com/read/13-wisest-things-anthony-bourdain-said-travel/ 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

Friendly note: if you are a beginner on CS, I suggest you read 'How to write a CouchRequest' - http://wiki.trustroots.org/en/How_to_write_a_hosting_request - It has useful advice and may make your CS experience more enjoyable 🤗

Interests

Writing, massage (licensed in NJ), gardening, walking around, exploring.

• writing
• architecture
• massage therapy
• gardening
• hiking
• road trips
• gay
• lgbt
• biking

Music, Movies, and Books

Classic rock, jazz, electronic, classical, dance, ambient, chill

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

A favorite experience in 2007 was renting a convertible in Los Angeles, and driving up the Pacific Coast Highway to Carmel, California. I stayed overnight at Deetjen's, a handcrafted cottage from the 1930s. I had a chance to use the volcanic hot springs at Esalen, and saw my first shooting star. I had lunch at the Post Ranch Inn, where inches from my table was a thousand foot drop into the Pacific Ocean. Overall, a life-affirming and life-changing adventure.

Teach, Learn, Share

I've had several jobs and careers in my life, as well as been in many interesting situations. I'm very interested to hear of others' experiences and adventures.

Specifically for guests I am hosting, I recommend: - Purchase a Metrocard to which you can add value, NOT the "Unlimited" Metrocard. The first one will allow access to both PATH and NYC subways, the second one only works on NYC subways.

- Directions to my house from JFK airport: Take air train to Jamaica Center in Queens, then NYC subway E train to World Trade Center, then PATH (NWK) to either Exchange Place or Grove Street in Jersey City. From Exchange Place take light rail to Liberty State Park then walk 6 minutes. From Grove street take taxi or Uber to my house, about $6-8. Door to door is about 90 minutes or so, so be patient lol.

- My favorite way to get around is by bicycle, and I have two available for use. On a bike, you see the CITY; on the subway you see a TUNNEL lol :) You can also rent Citibikes nearby for about $19.00 per day, but you need to dock them every 30 minutes at docking stations located around NYC. NYC is increasingly bike-friendly and there are protected paths throughout most neighborhoods.

- Friends recommend https://freetoursbyfoot.com/new-york-tours/book-online/ where you can sign up for walking tours of NYC and pay whatever you think it’s worth. Haven’t tried it yet, but I’m sure it’s pretty good.

- Plan to pay for expenses with a major credit card, so you don't have to fumble with cash and coins during your stay. Cards also usually give you the best exchange rate. Just make sure your card does not have a foreign transaction fee.

- Uber works really well in Jersey City and NYC. The fare from Grove Street PATH to my house is about $6-8. Otherwise it's a 20 minute walk, about 1 mile.

- Don't bring backpacks to museums unless you want to wait on line to check them. Don't pay full price for museums if you can avoid it - for example the American Museum of Natural History accepts any donation, not the $25 suggested admission. Give them $5 and they are happy. Also student and teacher IDs may qualify for free/disounted admission at MoMA and other museums!

- TIP your waiters and bartenders. In America, tipping 15-20% of the pre-tax amount of your bill is how they make their living. Other countries (Germany, etc.) may not tip, but you are NOT IN THOSE COUNTRIES. Here, it's expected.

- I like to collect refrigerator magnets from places where my guests are from, the tackier and more colorful, the better :) It's not a requirement, but if you want to say 'thank you' for staying on my couch, a fridge magnet for my collection is a nice way to do it :) Other thoughtful gifts are homemade honey from a farmer in Germany, maple syrup from a Canadian couple, chocolate from Kazakhstan and Norway, etc. It's a fun way to learn more about your culture!

- Exploring NYC for free links: https://instagram.com/explorenycfree?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

What I Can Share with Hosts

My time, my positive energy, and perhaps my skills as a licensed massage therapist (no charge, just a nice, relaxing way to chill out after a long day of tourism). I set a goal in massage school of massaging 1000 different people, and after 8 years I finally reached it in 2020 (pre-Covid)!!!

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Canada, England, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States