CURRENT MISSION

The passion for the eternal exploration of the diversity of places & people ..meeting.people from different cultures is exciting...the reality is...we are all very similar !!!

ABOUT ME

I am a 58 yr old man (only till next year) who lives in Christchurch with my partner, Robyn and our much loved dog,Lou. We have 6 gorgeous grandchildren whom we adore having to stay with us (coz they go back). I lost my leg in a motorcycle accident in 1983 but I describe this as my challenge..NOT a disability. Am involved with voluntary organisations...Amputee Society..Breast Cancer.
In 2008, I travelled Nth America on Amtrak & Via Rail..25,000kms, and had the greatest time I could have ever hoped for. The biggest downside was I knew nothing of CS and stayed in hotels/motels whereby I did not get to meet "normal" (they say normal is a cycle on a washing machine ???) people like myself in their environment.I checked off 30 states on that trip and my older brother and best friend wanted to do a trip around USA with me after learning of of my 2008 experiences to finish off the remaining 20 states but contracted terminal cancer and passed in May 2011.In his honour, I returned in June/July 2013, got 6 more states checked off but sustained a serious knee injury whilst in Florida and had to return home for surgery.I returned in July/August 2014 and on July 28th, touched down in Juneau Alaska, state no 50.
I have hosted other surfers and have had nothing but great experiences meeting fellow travellers from all over the world. Availability depends on committments with the grandchildren who stay regularly.

PHILOSOPHY

Well, I don't tolerate rednecks, racists and self opinionated people (big difference between confidence and egotistical).
Having just lost my best mate & brother to cancer in May 2011, I am even more committed to doing what I can while I can and soaking up as much as life offers whilst I am able to.
I enjoy helping other people and 2 of my best friends are 2 ladies aged 91 and 86 whom I care for on a semi permanent basis...they are simply fantastic human beings that I adore and respect. My philosphy is that these people have lived their lives and now have a restricted support network so I can help fill some of the gaps. Added to this, they are fantastic, interesting and likeable human beings.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Hosting and surfing..all my CS experiences so far have been memorable.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

September 2011 was when we hosted our first surfers...we are now on our way !!! Great experience.
Off to the US in June/July this year and looking forward to meeting up with couchsurfers along the way.
Started hosting again now that all children have realised they must leave home now they are in their 30's.
May 2013..have just finished hosting three different groups of CS'ers...great experiences with all.
July 2013...just returned from a USA trip and was hosted by fantastic people in Albuquerque, Kansas and Fort Worth. Had more CS'ers to catch up with but trip cut short due to an accident...hoping to reunite with some of these people next year when I return.July 2014...stayed with a Couchsurfing mega star, Penny, in Omaha, Nebraska and had the most wonderful 4 days I could have ever imagined. Not just the hospitality & courtesy but I gained a friend for life.

Interests

Brain transplants..I will be first in the queue.
Like sports of all kinds. Enjoy the gym and moderate mountain/trail riding and of course...my children (3 boys) and 6 grandchildren.
Being available to help others..I really like the saying "Others before self" If one practices this, I am convinced it enriches your life and assists you to achieve the most important goals you set yourself in life. Am involved with not for profit organisations..Amputee Society & Breast Cancer Foundation.

• dogs
• environment
• running
• boating
• cycling
• surfing
• sports

Music, Movies, and Books

Not a big reader but do like Lee Child novels.
I listen to anything from Bing Crosby to Bachman Turner Overdrive...Strauss to Usher...Mozart to Marley.
Of course Shawshank Redemption was memorable but will admit to liking "chick flicks" or anything with a good story line. Not into the blockbuster type films.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One is unfair. In no particular order..standing in silence at the Ground Zero site holding the hand of a complete stranger with tears running down our faces...soaking up the vibes while standing in Deeley Plaza Dallas TX..touching the Alamo Fort bricks in San Antonio..taking a boat under Niagara Falls..visiting Mt Rushmore & Crazy Horse memorials..touching down in Juneau and checking off all 50 states of the USA..the birth of my three sons.

Teach, Learn, Share

We learn from all types of people...good and not so good so they are all part of life's tapestry. Differences are just as interesting as similarities.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Canada, Cook Islands, England, Fiji, Hong Kong, Macao, United States, Wales