I'm married and have two adult children. I am American by nationality. I am a follower of Jesus.

I have lived in Ukraine for 21 years and work with my wife as English teachers in an institute in Ternopil.
I can't say I am fluent in Russian, but I do know it well enough to communicate.

I love culture, food, travel and meeting new friends. I love people and I am an extrovert.

I love photography and editing my photos on my computer. I like to create art from photos using effects apps. This kind of creativity brings me joy.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am traveling to another country to attend a training event and I travel frequently so, Couch Surfing makes sense.

A friend suggested Couch Surfing and I know my son has used it before. So, I like adventures and this seems more interesting that a hostel, renting an flat or staying in a hotel.

Interests

• photography
• painting
• history
• travel
• people
• cooking and eating

Music, Movies, and Books

I like most music: rock, jazz, classical, pop, gospel. Not too crazy about heavy metal. Hayden, Bach, Mozart are great. I like contemporary Christian music: Matthew West, Mercy Me, Danny Gokey. Crowder and many more.

I like all kinds of movies: adventure, romantic comedies, historical films and drama. Lord of the Rings, While You Were Sleeping, Young Victoria, Bourne Identity, Casino Royale and many more. My favorite is Sarah, Plain and Tall with Glen Close.

I like historical fiction and fantasy. My favorite fantasy is Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. I listen to a lot of detective stories and mysteries with my wife. P.D. James, Agatha Christie and Martha Grimes and many more.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I designed and sewed my wife's wedding dress based on a photo of her grandmother in her high school graduation dress circa 1907. I had a bit of help from the 1908 Sears & Roebucks catalog too. During the wedding, the sleeve of the dress caught on fire from a candle and so after the wedding, I simply replaced the damaged sleeve with a new one.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am an English Second Language (ESL) or English Foreign Language (EFL) teacher by profession. I also enjoy teaching others how to make American food. I can show you how to make recipes like American pies, cakes and cookies. I have taught others art and painting. My wife and I enjoy teaching people from other countries how to do American Square Dancing.

I believe learning is life-long and I am always seeking new skills, new things and new experiences. My next major world language to learn is Spanish.

I love to exchange stories and experiences with people. I am happy to show people how to do things I know. I am good with maps and directions, which is handy when traveling.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am social and love to share stories and experiences with my hosts.

I can cook something for my hosts if they are adventurous. I am willing!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Sweden, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Sweden, Ukraine, United States