*****TRAVELING****

I was born in Canada, but grew up in Montana. I was a farm kid with few experiences outside of my agrarian circle, but I had a thirst for travel and experiencing new things. This hunger for the new has never left. Whether its drinking coffee in Bosnia with an old woman, solo backpacking in the Ozarks or talking with the homeless in Hamburg, I love meeting new people from different cultures around the world, experiencing new and unusual things. Mónica is Colombian, and recently has moved to the USA. For many years she has worked in financial areas and in bank management. (From Mónica) I had the opportunity of work with a volunteer program helping African poor people , I lived in Mozambique for six months and it was the most amazing experience learning about their culture. Now, my strongest desire is to continue working in the same way. Helping people.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Honestly...it was because I was out of money and needed an inexpensive place to stay one night. I found the website and joined. Alas...no one put me up and I found myself sleeping in my car. But...the idea was really cool to me and I like meeting new people with different thoughts and ideas, so I thought BONUS! and I joined.

Interests

Love to solo backpack. I love to travel and experience new things...outside my comfort zone.
I'm an ok baker, and I can make a pretty good loaf of bread. I really like beer and like trying new and unheard of brews.

Móni likes to travel, hike and experience new things, cultures and people. She like to talk with people and learn and understand their true convictions. (She has the kindest heart of anyone I've ever met)

• arts
• beer
• coffee
• drinking
• traveling
• backpacking
• exploring
• deep talks

Music, Movies, and Books

Needtobreathe is my all time fav band. I like classic rock (early 70's and 60's) but I'll listen to just about anything (the play list on my ipod can attest) even Arabic rap.
I love me some Calvin and Hobbes. I've read everything from Dr Seuss, Mark Twain, Stephen King and Melville to Victor Hugo, John Grishman and the Bible.
When it comes to movies... Quentin Tarantino is at the top along with Edward D. Wood at the bottom (gotta love bad movies)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

On a whim, I flew to Doha Qatar for a long weekend. This was my first time in a Muslim country and found it culturally interesting. I walked along the Corniche, shopped at the Souq Waqif (I could've bought a falcon) and visited the Museum of Islamic Art. I hired a driver and had a one on one tour of the city, narrated through the eyes of that driver. This was a great experience. (This used to be my one amazing thing I've one, but it has changed in the last few years)
Most amazing thing I've done. I married Mónica Burbano, who I met when she came to my home Couchsurfing with a group of people raising money to go to Africa and build schools for the poor. Check out her profile, she's amazing!!

Teach, Learn, Share

I think we all have situational expertise. It's what makes us awesome!

What I Can Share with Hosts

A bed, wifi, an adult beverage or two and some cool stories. (I've got laundry facilities also...so if you need to wash your underwear and socks you can do that too)

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Scotland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Germany