I'm currently in Zurich to get my PhD in engineering geology. I've also lived in Chile and Italy and miss both Italy and South America very much! So you can feel free to write me in English, Spanish, or Italian (and, one day, German....). I'm a scientist by trade or I'm trying to be at least.

My most recent note-worthy ventures have included teaching English at a Tibetan monastery, getting my scuba certification, and camping for a week in Banff. I also recently fractured my elbow simply by tripping on a stair which I think takes clumsy to a whole new level.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As a recent transplant to Europe, I thought it would be a good way to meet people and to help out other travelers. I really enjoy meeting people from all different cultures.

Interests

Anything that puts me near a beach or in the mountains is fantastic. Of course if it's too cold, too hot, or raining I'll probably be at the bar with friends instead because I am a creature of comfort.

• writing
• cooking
• wine
• board games
• blogging
• hiking
• scuba diving
• astronomy
• geology
• geocaching

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Mostly classic rock, but I also like jazz, blues, and soul a lot. When I'm in the mood for it, pop music and electronic is awesome. Queen is my favorite band (and the greatest band of all time--no one will ever convince me other wise). David Bowie is a close second in music for me. Also, The Beatles are the most overrated band of all time. There I said it.

Movies: Labyrinth, The Princess Bride, and MIB. In general, I like lots of explosions and action or fantastical elements in my films. Bonus points for aliens. I'm also a giant Audrey Hepburn fan and enjoy classic movies as well.

TV: Mostly sci-fi. Firefly, Battlestar Galactica, Doctor Who, Primeval, Red Dwarf, BUFFY

Books: I can never decide between Slaughterhouse-Five, The Brothers Karamazov, Walden, and The Call of the Wild. Totally depends on my mood which one I claim as my favorite on any particular day. Charles Dickens is The Beatles of literature (see "Music" above).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Completed the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Paraguay, Peru, Spain, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Chile, Italy, Switzerland, United States