CURRENT MISSION

Travel in a way that makes my future grandkids proud.

ABOUT ME

Heylo! I recently returned from serving in the US Peace Corps in Mongolia for about 20 months. I enjoy writing and carry a notebook most places I go just in case I come across something worth scribbling down. Mostly I like to get to know people. What is your story?

PHILOSOPHY

A few:
"Enjoy things while you have them, but do not miss them when they're gone"
"Wherever you go, go with all your heart"
"Pain is weakness leaving the body"
"Gather ye rosebuds while ye may"
"Don't be afraid of what they said. Who cares what cowards think anyway?"
"Smile. It makes people wonder what you're up to."

Always be aware and observe!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Mostly by listening and laughing. I ask a lot of questions, some of which may seem silly, but I only ask as many questions as I am interested in the culture.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Couch surfing has provided me with more than I could ever ask for. I have learned things about culture and humanity in general in a way that hostels and hotels could never provide. I have yet to have a bad experience... The people I have met so far have only succeeded in broadening my perspective on the world and I thank them for that.

Interests

Writing, reading, drawing, rock climbing, coffee hour, finding unique breweries/wineries, and finding anything unique actually.

• culture
• writing
• coffee
• reading
• traveling
• drawing
• surfing
• rock climbing
• teaching
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: anything alternative or rock based as well as instrumental and mellower tunes.

Movies: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, American Beauty, Darjeeling Limited, Amelie, Goodbye Lenin, Old Boy

Books: Ender's Game, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, The Alchemist, 1984, Great Gatsby, Once and Future King

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Climbed Mt. Fuji in six hours flat - just in time to watch the sunrise.

Update (January 2013): Albeit not a technical couch surfing set up, I would like to reiterate the generosity of complete strangers. After being dropped by my host in Berlin for the days preceding New Years, I was getting desperate trying to find a place to stay. Hostels were booked for the holidays and the only available spots I could find costed 60 Euros or more (a fee that most students budget are not equipped to handle). I was taking and Alternative Tour through Berlin when I met Matt who, after I explained my situation, offered up his home to me. He had no idea who I was (and I, him), and yet he was kind enough to help me in a pinch. That is the sort of person I strive to be like. It's kindness like his that amazes me every day.

Teach, Learn, Share

People make their own luck. Don't just sit around waiting for something good to happen. If you see something that looks remotely like a good idea, go out and make it happen.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Traveling is scary sometimes. You could be surprised by a strangers generosity (but then again, isn't that why we are all on this website to begin with?)

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Panama, Poland, Slovenia

Countries I’ve Lived In

Mongolia, United States