CURRENT MISSION

To converse with the world about what could be different and better. Also, to share laughs with strangers, soon to be friends.

ABOUT ME

I'm a creativish person with big dreams and excessively long limbs. I'm from Vancouver, Canada but moved out to Toronto a few years ago and really like it. I stroll or pedal around the city, and I really love how there are so many people from so many places here, all mostly getting along. I'm a curious person eager to explore. I work hard and laugh easily. I've got hippy roots, and sometimes they show.

I'm a freelance writer for a bunch of different newspapers and magazines. It's not necessarily the writing that I love, but the people I meet and the things that I learn during the research process. It really gets me engaged with the world, and the work is constantly changing. The down side (and up side!) is that I never know what's going to happen next.

Earlier in my life I thought I was going to be a professional flamenco dancer. I know, ridiculous. Turns out that in Canada, that's not a real job. I still do it a lot and like to hang with all the crazy flamencos, but it's more for fun these days.

PHILOSOPHY

Hmm. I would say I love being engaged with the world, with people. I don't want to regret the things I didn't do in my life. Also, I love having fun and laughing. I'm a great audience.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I'm about to depart Toronto for three months to travel across the United States east to west, to interview activists past and present, from across the political spectrum. I'm fascinated by the current political climate in the States (Occupy movements, The Tea Party) and with the intense desire for change that has not materialized. I'm planning on documenting the people involved who want to share their stories, both online and perhaps in a future book.

As such, I guess I'll be participating as a surfer, though when I get back I imagine I'll be hosting. The house I currently live in hosts surfers, though not under my name. I am new!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

The house I currently live in hosts surfers, though not under my name. I am new!

Interests

Politics, visual art, sports, flamenco dance and music, activism, regional and folk music of any kind, long-form journalism, economics, local food, dessert, board games, wine.

• arts
• writing
• books
• dancing
• flamenco
• dining
• wine
• partying
• politics
• board games
• traveling
• music
• folk music
• sports
• economics
• freelancing
• journalism

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, Let the Great World Spin, The Princess Bride (not only a spectacularly amazing film, but also a book!), Franny and Zooey, Without Feathers, The Book of Negros, non-fiction about writing and journalism

Movies: Annie Hall, The Princess Bride, The Lord of the Rings (nerd alert!), Magnolia, In Bruges, The Insider, Akira, Y Tu Mama Tambien, Habla con Ella, Vengo, Anchor Man ("Brick killed a man with trident!"), The Big Lebowski, not Avatar (James Cameron, you will not be my overlord)

Music: I like world and folk music, played live. I usually need silencio when I'm working, but otherwise I'm pretty open minded. To be honest, I usually succumb to the musical tastes of whoever I'm around. Some bands I like are The Arcade Fire, Band of Horses, Timber Timbre, and indie stuff like that. Also quietish jazz, like Chet Baker. And old frenchies, like Edith Piaf. And funk and motown, especially for dancing. And of course flamenco, anywhere, anytime.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach and share my knowledge of freelance writing and journalism, including practical tips on breaking into the industry. I also can share what I know about flamenco dancing and music.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Monaco, Poland, Portugal, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Spain, United Kingdom