I work at a local college, as a teacher of English as a Second Language. I've been at it for quite some time, around 25 years now. Somehow I still manage to have far more good days than bad.

I would say I'm somewhat introverted, but that I compartmentalize my extroversions. In teaching, in community work, and in travel I can be quite outoing, but at one point I need to retreat to a quiet space and decompress. I was very moved by the book Quiet: The Power of Introverts. It helped to be more comfortable with who I am.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have traveled a fair amount, and know well how the cost of even the cheapest dive can cut into the budget of a trip. As well, I think meeting people from a region is truly the exceptional way to travel.

Interests

First and foremost, I love to read. Even though I grew up poor, my mother never refused me ordering Scholastic Books. I was so damned excited every month when they arrived! I still get that high going into a bookstore. I have tried to curtail my purchases a little bit, yet I still have no problem dropping $75 on a few great reads.

Travel is another area I have no trouble investing in. I would much rather spend money on a trip than a new flat screen or some such impluse buy.

• books
• cooking
• traveling
• socializing
• investing
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: I am a huge fan of Withnail and I. I have memorized large swaths of the film, much to the dismay of my spouse, who is French and therefore cannot understand much of the humor.

TV: The Wire, Blackadder, Arrested Development

Music: Eddie Vedder, Ryan Adams, Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell, Joan Armatrading

Books: A Fine Balance, A Prayer For Owen Meaney, The Road

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

When I first began teaching, I lived and worked in small isolated Inuit communities for four years. I hunted, fished, celebrated, and mourned with the community. Over the course of the four years, I learned a reasonable amount of Inuktitut, although that has long gone by the wayside. I also ate some of the most bizarre foodstuffs one can imagine.

Teach, Learn, Share

While I don't have any specific talents I feel are worth showcasing, I do have a lifetime of knowledge and experience I can share. I am a very good listener as well.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am very low-key, really not very demanding at all. I do believe strongly in balance, and to that end I always clean, cook, and otherwise help out however and whenever I see a need.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Brazil, China, El Salvador, England, France, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, France