I am a writer. I have three children. I'm married to Anna who is a painter.
We lived in Norwich for 20 years and moved to Portugal 3 years ago. It's been difficult to learn the language, find work, and do all the other things to maintain a happy healthy life (get a family doctor, pay your taxes, find good schools for the children, make friends). We've met some lovely people here and it has expanded our view of the world.
Our oldest child has left home and is working in Glasgow. Our other 2 children are still at home. They are 15 and 11 years old.
I currently work as a teacher of English and Art. I work freelance as an editor and as a proofreader.
I'm involved in an activist group called Habitação Hoje. It campaigns for the right to housing for all.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am taking my two younger children on a trip to England to see family (cousins, uncles & aunties, friends). We're also going to Glasgow to see my oldest child. We don't have any other family in Glasgow so I'm hoping to find somewhere to stay via Couchsurfing. It will also be a way to meet other people there.

Interests

• books
• poetry
• walking
• trombone
• birdwatching
• folk songs
• urban dérive
• films of ken loach
• films by lynne ramsay

Music, Movies, and Books

Favourite music: I love JS Bach's unaccompanied pieces for violin and for cello. I've recently discovered a trombonist, Michael Buchanan, who does a fantastic version of the cello piece in D minor.
I listen to a lot of jazz, including Abudullah Ibrahim (originally from District 6 in Cape Town, South Africa), Anouar Brahem (Tunisian oud player), Art Ensemble of Chicago, Sun Ra, Rebirth Brass Band, and other collective improvisation groups.
My favourite novelist at the moment is Helen Oyeyemi. Her novels include Mr Fox and Gingerbread.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Moved to Portugal and learnt Portuguese.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach someone how to play 6 fun chords on the ukelele.
If it's a clear night I can point out 20 constellations in the night sky.
I can share ways to recognise the dozen or so most common birds (blackbird, song thrush, goldfinch, house sparrow, turtle dove, rock dove, wood pigeon, greenfinch, wren, dunnock, swift, swallow, house martin, chaffinch). Most gardens and parks have many of these species. It really broadens my world knowing and recognising them. They're like friends that I meet in different places.

What I Can Share with Hosts

My cooking skills - improvisational and rapid
My enjoyment of conversation
Tips on good places to visit if you're visiting Porto, Norwich, London or Toulouse.

Countries I’ve Visited

Denmark, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, France, Portugal, Scotland