I’m a retired IT Project Manager working hard to improve my tennis backhand.

I'm easy going and content, like a laugh, and try to leave people happier than when I found them.

One of my friends describes me as a gregarious introvert. I try to spend as much time as possible with the people I love and I enjoy meeting new people. I sometimes have to escape a big crowd or a noisy place to chill for a while, but I usually come back.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm mostly on Couchsurfing to connect with interesting people. When I became a member in December 2017 it became an important part of my life and I hosted two or three times a month. Covid changed that, but now I'm looking to start again. Previously I was almost exclusively a host, but now I'm looking to be a guest sometimes too.

Interests

• friends
• playing tennis
• local music
• drinking beer
• arty stuff

Music, Movies, and Books

Long-time favourites include The Smiths, Portishead, Thievery Corporation, Lana Del Ray, Dylan. Like to listen to the radio to discover new things, especially BBC 6 Music. Love the local live music scene in my home city.

Travel literature: some favourites are Bruce Chatwin, Wilfred Thesiger Colin Thubron.

Always looking for fiction recommendations. Something with a sense of humour is good. A Visit From the Goon Squad (Jennifer Egan) and Super Sad True Love Story (Gary Shteyngart) are special favourites.

Teach, Learn, Share

My second-language skills are rubbish, but I can help you with your English.

I'll try to learn almost anything you care to teach me, especially if it's a topspin backhand. I'm easily interested in new things.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Hopefully some good conversation. I can cook a bit (vegetarian) and like to do it with friends. I do a decent vegetarian fry-up and make a good cup of tea, with milk - well, I am English.