Hi!

This trip takes me back to Ireland and Scotland, going solo this time.

Trip Goals:
-Hitchhike around
-Walk about the mountains and coastline
-Wild camp when practical
-Talk to strangers
-Embrace wind and rain
-Learn how to pronounce Irish street signs
-Bring good vibes everywhere

Last time I was here, I was about 14 years old. I tried some Guinness and hated it. I've since done a full 180 on that stance.

I'm a great guest, I keep things tidy and respect my hosts wishes. If you want to go out and do fun things, lets go! And if you need some peace and quiet at home, you'll hardly know I'm there.

My travel philosophy:
-Bring things back to the primitive, travel-wise: wild camping, hitchhiking, and getting by with just the bare essentials is a travel style that I love.
-Get off the beaten path: Of course it's nice to see the proverbial Great Wall or Eiffel Tower, but my most fond memories are made when getting "out there," the more remote the better.
-Be good to everyone: hosts, guests, locals, hostel volunteers, all deserve our patience and respect.

Likes:
-sleeping outside
-early morning swims
-playing 'the drums' on random objects

Dislikes:
-politics
-mosquitos
-cold toilet seats

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've always thought that people can be one's best resource; why take along a map if you can find someone who can show you the way? More and more I'm learning that personal relationships are the ultimate takeaway, better than any tangible souvenir.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

A week in Portland, Oregon began my Surfing saga. A friend of mine set us up with three different hosts, each one interesting and oh-so hospitable. That week in a strange new town affected me deeply, and thus a Couchsurfer was born!

A year later I moved to Shanghai to work as a teacher. I opened my small apartment up to Surfers from all over the place, and had a blast showing people around my neighborhood, going out to eat noodles, and swapping war stories from the places we had been.

Since then I haven't stopped traveling, but sadly am not in a position to host at my new home. But I'll never forget the kindness and generosity I felt from the gracious people I encountered, and I hope to pay it all back in some way.

Interests

Taking photos
Music (guitar & drums)
Enjoying the outdoors
Geocaching
Discovering new places (however unremarkable)
Writing in my journal (my handwriting sucks)
Drinking the beers of the world
People watching

• writing
• cooking
• breakfast
• beer
• reading
• music
• guitar
• drums
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• sailing

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was waiting to board an overnight train in Goa, India when I struck up a conversation with a German traveler also waiting on the platform. We chatted about this and that and I learned we were headed for the same terminal station. I had in my hand a second class ticket, which got me a bed in a shared berth, relatively cushy accommodations for a long journey. Our train pulled up and we climbed aboard. Wishing to carry on our conversation, I asked her what class she was in. As people pushed past us on either side, she gave a smile and said "no class," as she turned and walked toward the back of the train, disappearing into the throng. A truly "Kerouac" moment, it made me reflect deeply on the things that happened before and since.

Maybe not "amazing" but that one really stuck with me, and I think about it often.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Cook a meal, spin a yarn, buy a round

Countries I’ve Visited

Aruba, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Islands, China, England, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, India, United States