I'm a fella who's polite, kind, enthusiastic, unique, and, if I do say so myself, quite a delightful and entertaining guest- a person you'll be happy to meet and get to know. I love writing letters, which I enclose in envelopes sealed in wax marked with my initials. My friends are spread widely across the world, and I remain close to them through writing. I love hearing of their lives, and sharing stories of my own. Some of these souls I've met only briefly, yet our bonds and memories of time spent together are strong. I hope that I might invite you into my circle of friends, and that one day, I'll send you a letter and a treasure from my travels as a thank you for your warmth and hospitality, as we meet on this wandering road.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm a person who loves encounters with new people, getting to hear their stories and catch a glimpse into their lives in a personal setting. I prefer uniqueness in traveling and the places I choose to be, and staying with a local host and soaking up some wisdom from an inside guide greatly appeals to me. I'm also very happy to return the favor and welcome you to my home, if ever you come my way 😊

Interests

Art, music, sailing, backpacking, thoughtful conversations, meditation, exploration, yoga, time spent in the great outdoors

Music, Movies, and Books

Andrew Bird, Shantaram, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The National, Balmorhea, Jurassic Park, Arrested Development, Buddhism Without Beliefs, The Arrival, Calvin & Hobbes

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Sailed across the Pacific Ocean. And made a work of art that's now in a museum.

Teach, Learn, Share

In three words: "Artist, Sailor, Teacher". I've been making art since my fingers could grasp crayons. Printmaking is my latest creative experiment. I teach wooden canoe building to underserved high school students at home in Minnesota. I really enjoy talking with kids, whose imaginations are alight and whose hopes and ambitions know no limits. I'm inspired to be a mentor, and to give back some of the gifts my teachers gave to me. I learned to sail aboard a 134' brigantine when I was studying abroad in college. It blew my mind and challenged me in ways like never before. Now I'm pursuing my Captain's license and making moves to be payed to play on the water.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories, sea shanties, henna tattoos, a running or yoga buddy, a person with whom to revel in nature and soak up the beauty in life's little things, and a maker of fine vegetarian cuisine.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Christmas Island, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Polynesia, Grenada, Haiti, Japan, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sweden, United States, United States Minor Outlying Islands

Countries I’ve Lived In

Sweden, United States, Virgin Islands, U.S.