I like to explore and to wonder at things, both in nature and ideas. I get the same feeling of amazement when reaching the summit of a mountain as when I try to wrap my head around some mind-bending philosophical idea, or when I figure out some programming code for my research (I'm studying the neuroscience of music). My favourite ways to be with people are talking about ideas and being outdoors - or better yet, both at the same time. I am introverted and can be quiet, but I'm not shy. The word that people most often use to describe me is "calm".

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

One of the main reasons I'm on Couchsurfing is the plight of the forever-student, a lack of money. But I also love the feeling of sharing a home with someone. When I was in New Zealand for three months in 2016 with a friend, we stayed in hostels a few times, but one of the best parts of my trip were the times when we met random people and they invited us to stay with them. I feel like those were the times when we really experienced the culture, and I think it's the best way to get to know a country.

Right now, I don't have a place I where I can host, but I look forward to hosting someday, and experiencing travel second-hand.

Interests

I run on trails several times a week, and I like to go on backcountry hiking or canoeing trips with friends and family as often as I can. I love birds; more than once I have nearly biked into a ditch while trying to see a bird that I hear singing nearby.

I like sports, especially soccer and ice hockey. But I'd much rather play sports than watch them.

I play piano, and I taught piano for a few years. I am trained classically, and my favourite composer is Debussy. But I also like to jam and improvise with others in other styles. I like to sing with people too - preferably with people who are louder and better at singing than me because I am not very good.

• birds
• running
• music
• soccer
• philosophy
• outdoors
• space
• brain

Music, Movies, and Books

Music - I'll listen to most music that don't sound angry. Surprisingly, for someone with a music degree, I don't listen to music very much. If I had to choose a favourite genre though, it would be folk . But I love to make music, mostly by playing piano.

Movies
- Apollo 13
- Pride and Prejudice
- Star Trek
- Groundhog Day
- The Other Woman

Books
- Failure is Not an Option, by Gene Kranz
- The Crystal Cave, by Mary Stewart
- Musicophilia, by Oliver Sacks
- Out of the Silent Planet, by C.S. Lewis

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I hiked for 5 days in the Grand Canyon. It was beyond incredible.

What I Can Share with Hosts

- if you have a piano, I can play for you, or with you if you play an instrument as well
- if you have a piano and you have kids, I can give them a piano lesson
- if you like to talk about ideas, you may find me a good conversation partner
- if you like being outdoors, we could exchange our favorite trip locations and stories.
- I can help you practice speaking English
- I like to cook and bake!

Countries I’ve Visited

Finland, New Zealand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Finland