CURRENT MISSION

Life, liberty and interaction with interesting people

ABOUT ME

I am an intrepid explorer - of time, space and culture; incredibly easy to get along with, very relaxed and unassuming. I've lived all over the US and traveled to many other countries where I've truly enjoyed meeting people and discussing life (or my lack thereof) with them.

PHILOSOPHY

Personal responsibility for oneself and environ. Live each day as your last yet act like you'll live forever! Relax - you'll never get out life alive...

"...[Some] save and scrape and ponder
While the rest go out and squander,
See the world and rove and wander
And are happier as a rule!"

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Because of work and family commitments I am able to show around, advise, grab a cup of coffee or even grab a meal together. It's pretty open - make it happen!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have joined several groups, surfed a few couches and been to a number of CS meetings - it has been fantastic. The people I continue to meet through CS are open, enthusiastic and fun to be around!

- Partied with the Amsterdam crew, and was hosted for two nights. (May, 2008)
- Explored the forts of the Verdun region, enjoying the beautiful countryside and the warm hospitality of the locals (not to mention great food and wine). Was hosted for three nights by a non-CS'er, who has since become a member! (Nov,2008)
- Hung out in Antwerp for a weekend of fun, food and fantastic beer! (Dec 2008)
- Relaxed near Metz/Verdun for a restful weekend. (Jan 2009)
- Surfed Brussels for FOSDEM 09
- Attend the local Stuttgart meetings and random parties (since Oct)
- Traveled around Norway during the election cycle and learned a lot more about global politics

Interests

Travel (duh!)
- I travel as much as possible, but still not enough.

Exploring
- Whether it is taking part in a Volksmarch (a formal hike in Germany) or taking a left, when the 'destination' is to the right, you have to be able to open your mind to new possibilities.
- Yoga, meditation and reflection (exploring the inner space)

Sailing/Diving/Fishing...
- I've spent most of my life on or in the water
- I learned to sail when I was about 6 and have enjoyed it ever since.

Computers and security
- This what I do for a living, and it seems to always have been a hobby, so I guess I'm lucky in that regard.

Coffee/Tea/Beer/Wine...
- Belgian beers are my favorite!!! So many varieties and subtleties (and some not so subtle)
- Started brewing beer and making wine many years ago. Making fruit wine has been a family tradition for many years.

Meeting people (this goes well with coffee/tea/beer/wine)

Reading...
I have been reading biographies and technical books lately, but my interests also include science fiction and historical fiction.

Permaculture
I've been interested in sustainable farming/gardening and lifestyle practices for years. Have grown an organic veggie garden for ~ 15 years, and even grow my own hops to make beer.

• culture
• books
• folklore
• ethics
• dining
• wine
• beer
• coffee
• yoga
• meditation
• partying
• flying
• gardening
• aviation
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• homebrewing
• cycling
• fishing
• hiking
• scuba diving
• sailing
• skiing
• teaching
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

I read as frequently as possible!

Recently I have been enjoying biographies, though my interests range from Sci-Fi to philosophy, and physics and more.

Last 3 books -
"The Housekeeper and the Professor"
"Beyond Fear" by Bruce Schneier
"Body Language" by Allan Pease

Music -
Play - I play guitar and sing (though not as well as I should).
Listen - My musical taste is very eclectic and covers almost every genre; though I prefer intelligent songwriting, good harmonies and funky rhythms.

Movies - I'm not much for TV but movies are great, probably because they are encapsulated, with a defined beginning and end. Not many I don't enjoy, but really dig good dialog and twisted plotlines.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Watching the sun set from Diego Garcia (in the middle of the indian ocean) - where's the $#@! green flash???

Flying over the Philippines, and observing a cloud/front that appeared to have been carved with a knife!

Skiing over 1600 vertical meters (mostly off-piste) from the top of Mont Fort at Verbier and stopping only to fall on my backside!

Being there for the birth of my children

That I have had the privilege of going to a complete strangers house, then leaving a couple days later knowing that we now share an enviable kinship.

Teach, Learn, Share

A little about a lot, and a lot about: computers, security, aviation, military, coaching, sailing, coffee/tea and beer.

I have been a teacher of Calculus, Ethics and Computer Security and am a student of life.

I am forever a student of life.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belgium, British Indian Ocean Territory, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, United States

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