CURRENT MISSION

I left Canada earlier this year to get back out into the world for some much needed inspiration. I spent the summer in Riga and will be spending the winter in Spain. I'm probably not a great resource for visitors, but I'm down to explore together! I have been screenwriting professionally for the last twelve years and have just finished my first novel. I'm ready to keep writing and meeting new characters all around the world.

ABOUT ME

I am a natural born storyteller. And an audience. I love to hear people's tales. I am a reader, a seeker. My favourite times in life is connecting with great people, sharing music and food, revelry, and making people feel welcome. I have been alone in beautiful places and I've been with great company in the most boring places -- the people made the place each and every time.

I worked in international youth education for many years before becoming a writer. Plenty of tales came from that, as well as tons of patience, interest, and faith in people.

I play music, can be convinced to dance, have gotten myself into sailing lately. I cycle like crazy, climbing, hiking, camping, beaching, playing, playing, playing. Ultimate frisbee please!

I am an active participant in the adventures of life, not a spectator. So if you're up for going out, doing something memorable...let the couchsurfing begin.

Oh, and here's one of the stories I told in Toronto at Raconteurs years ago:

http://youtu.be/pBzsTKAYnFI

PHILOSOPHY

I'm all about education, especially the kind you get outside of a classroom. Let's work together when we can. Don't be an ass if you don't have to be. Be firm when you must. Sing when you can and even when you don't want to. Oh, and have fun doing everything...life's too short for spoilsports. Spontaneity is the best spice of life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

It's been a while! I used to host and stay as a guest far more. I got into the bad habit of Airbnb and hotels, but would far prefer a more social time seeing a new place.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've couchsurfed in France, in Oregon, USA, and hosted a few times in Vancouver, BC. But the majority of my CS world has happened in Montpellier and in Queenstown, NZ.

Interests

I'm active, love sports, learning new languages, local history (wherever I am), good movies, great cafes, a pint in the evening, maybe biking around, help work on the planet if I can. I'm very much into how learning works, how intercultural communication can go...oh, and lots and lots of travel.

• writing
• singing
• dancing
• education
• yoga
• movies
• traveling
• music
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• sports
• rock climbing
• teaching
• history
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Big Lebwoski and Indiana Jones and the Last Cusade are my younger Steve favourites. Rick & Morty, Parks & Rec, The Wire, oof, there's way too much to list. Like, way too much.

Anything from Robbins, Kerouac, or Louis de Berniere to Atwood. I love good books.

Music is my thing. I've got a phone full of great new Canadian music, mostly indie stuff. You can't go wrong with the Beatles or Lou Reed, and there's lots of long nights with Coltrane or Mingus. If I can get the chance, I want to see Italian operas and German symphonies. I'll listen to country when I want to, and dig the blues whenever I can (love John Mayal). I play the guitar as well, so jams are always an option.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Amazing 10 year-old host sister with a smile to light up the sun in Ghana; learned how to write and read Thai with another family; was taught how to play Guantanamera by a very friendly Cuban; too much to go on!

Teach, Learn, Share

I learn something from everyone, and I try to teach something to everyone. That way everyone is a teacher and student.

Currently learning French and should probably translate all this into French! Also, writing writing, writing. I ought to learn to spell and try and be coherent, non?

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Chile, Estonia, France, Germany, Guyana, Hungary, Japan, Lithuania, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, France, Ghana, Latvia, Mexico, Thailand, United States

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