CURRENT MISSION

Finish translating this book!

ABOUT ME

I"m not sure, but they might say that I'm honest (and expect others to be so) to a fault. They'd probably also say something derisive about how little esteem I give to planning and my willingness just to see if things work out.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I can't imagine going somewhere new and trying to get a feel for the culture and local flavor without interacting with local people. I think schools provide the best example of condensed cultural values and norms, but since there's no international spend-a-day program (yet!), couchsurfing might just be the next best thing. Being with people in their homes and seeing how they live, what they eat, and what they talk about is by far the fastest and surest way to learn what makes a country tick.

Interests

When I'm with others, I mostly like good conversation, be it political, linguistic, philosophical, or simply imaginative. At other times I usually enjoy reading or cooking, if I'm looking for a sedentary activity. I also love running and biking, hiking and camping, and playing (not watching) most sports. I'm always willing to try something new especially if it seems difficult or will be the "most" of something.

• culture
• books
• dining
• cooking
• running
• working out
• reading
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• sports

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Some of the physically most demanding things I've done include: hiking in and out of the Grand Canyon in one day with less than a liter of water; taking a 47-hour train ride across Russia in summer with little food; hiking in Glacier National Park in sandals in 2 feet of snow with no map; hiking for 8 hours in the Caucasus with, again, very little water; riding my bike home 176 km from my state's capital (not really that bad).

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Chile, Georgia, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Poland, Russian Federation, South Africa, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Thailand, Ukraine, United States

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