Hi! My name's Kyle. I'm from Des Moines, Iowa, in the center of the United States . I studied journalism, French, and music at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, on the banks of the Mississippi River.

I'm a lover of the outdoors. Although my favorite activities are hiking, camping, and skiing, and have recently started exploring rock climbing, and enjoy sea kayaking and scuba diving as well. Protecting the natural world and outdoor ethics are very important to me.

I also love music. I usually only have a mandolin and harmonicas when traveling internationally, but I also play guitar, banjo, accordion, harmonicas, melodica, and I sing. I used played clarinet and bagpipes in high school, and played jazz piano at university. I write my own music, and love to jam with other people, especially around a campfire.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I joined Couchsurfing because I love traveling and exploring new cultures, but don't always have the budget for it. I also enjoy my experience much more when I get to meet locals and make new friends.

At the moment, I'm not in the best position to host, but if I have a more permanent place in the future, I hope to open my couch to whoever needs it!

Interests

I love music. I love the outdoors. I love meeting new people and experiencing new cultures.

• culture
• folklore
• photography
• ethics
• dining
• seafood
• beer
• politics
• news
• board games
• traveling
• music
• folk music
• guitar
• piano
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• backpacking
• camping
• scuba diving
• skiing
• rock climbing
• history
• journalism
• languages
• language exchange
• mountains
• learning languages
• harmonica
• learning new things
• whiskey
• learning
• climbing
• exploring new places
• learning new languages
• mountain climbing
• whisky
• meeting new people
• cross-country skiing
• accordion
• french
• foreign languages
• scuba
• scubadiving
• songwriting
• banjo
• sea kayaking
• irish music
• mandolin
• sing

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: My favorite kinds of songs are ones that tell a story. My favorite genres of music include American folk, bluegrass, jazz, Irish folk, some classic rock, some alternative/indie.

Movies: The Shawshank Redemption, Into the Wild, The Wind that Shakes the Barley, Fargo, the list goes on and on...

Books: A Sand County Almanac, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, A Song of Ice and Fire series, Harry Potter, anything by Kurt Vonnegut

Teach, Learn, Share

I play lots of instruments and would be happy to teach music, as well as learn from you if you are a musician. Or if you're not a musician, I'd love to know what you like to listen to!

I love to listen to and tell stories.

I love board games. The nerdier and more obscure they are, the better.

I can teach English and a little French. I'd love to learn any language.

I don't have a lot of experience cooking yet, but would love to learn! I'd be happy to share the cost of a meal and help cook it.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Wherever I go, my music goes with me. I always have an instrument of some kind. I would love to play some music for my hosts, or if they're musicians themselves, play some music together and maybe make a few recordings. Or if you're not a musician, maybe I could give you a few music lessons!

I can give English lessons, and maybe a few French lessons as well.

And if we eat together, I could help pay for food and cook. I'm not that experienced, but I love preparing food and learning new recipes.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, China, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Philippines, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, France, Hong Kong, United States