CURRENT MISSION

Joel = work goals, Shantala = baby goals

ABOUT ME

Recently married and embarking on life dream trip. My wife (the much better looking one) and I have decided to travel around the world for 18months. Some of our best experiences on this trip have been because of those we met through couch surfing. Not only is it the insider perspective that's hard to find, but the people are so wonderful. Finding the common thread in everyone is fulfilling. We thrive in knowing and understanding people, as well as natural wonders and history. We have been on the road since June 2007, and time is flying! We don't want to go back at all.

We believe the key to world peace lies in every man understanding to their core this quote by Gandhi. It is also our reason for travelling, to breath the following: "This world is inhabitied by all kinds of people. They are isolated by land and water, religion, customs, habits. The minds and hearts of these people are much alike. Under sudden or stressed emotions, they blossom forth or explode in riots, fights, dance, songs, prayer. At such times, they become one mind, one heart. And the world vibrates with the intensity of their feelings, emotions, angers, laughters."

If we have an opportunity to stay in your home, we will be very respectful of your rules, feelings, and expectations. Although saving a little money is always nice, we have without a doubt met amazing people through couchsrufing, and become close with in some way with almost all. Not only will we absolutely host when we return, we look forward to it. In 2011, maybe, we are planning to move to Kalispell, Montana the home of the beautiful Glacier National Park at the Candaian border and will host there.

Shantala is a very serious person, with a very bubbly, jovial outside. Joel is a very fair, laid back person with a big bear outside.

Although we enjoy our beer and wine, we are past the days of partying too much. We do dabble in a good dose here and there. But we can adjust to most situations. We are both very social, honest, trustworthy, fair, friendly and respectful.

PHILOSOPHY

"Treat others as you would like to be treated" - Bible?

"Be the change you want to see in the world". - Gandhi

"Leave no trace" - Park Ranger?

Shantala and I are both honest and fair, to a fault possibly. We both wish for world peace and are tired of all the hate that drives our world.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

We heard about couchsurfing a while back and planned on incorporating it into our life in the future, especially when we move to Montana. CS completely fits our personal philosophy of trust, that most people are good, and being the change you want to see in the world.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

We have been guests in London, Dublin, Jerusalem, Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Kyoto, Osaka! We feel a close kinship with most and hope to keep in touch with them the rest of our lives. Couchsurfers are the best!

Interests

Joel: Scuba, snowboarding, travelling, climbing, wilderness backpacking, nature, and much more..

Shantala: flute, social events, getting to the heart of what pains our heart, health, organizing, miniature crafts, and I just love Movie night and slumber parties...still.

• dancing
• wine
• beer
• partying
• crafts
• flying
• traveling
• backpacking
• surfing
• scuba diving
• snowboarding
• rock climbing
• history
• religion

Music, Movies, and Books

Joel : Lazy when it comes to music, but enjoy most forms of gypsy and folk. Books - usually like popular authors that require less brainpower, because I usually read to pass the time on a plane. Movies - big range. TV - "Planet Earth" on Discovery Channel is the greatest TV series ever, hands down.

Shantala: Movies: Lord of the Rings!!!, Music: folk of any kind, Turkish, gypsy, classical, and a bit of everything else

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Getting the courage and finances to go on this 2007-8 trip!

Joel Highlights : Summit of Mount Rainier, Summit of Grand Teton, Matterhorn on a sunny day, Cinque Terre (Italy)... and many, many more.

Shantala Highlights: most recently, hoards of Right whales right off the shore migrating in Nov. 2007. Seeing a Masai in the middle of nowhere in the savannahs of Tanzania

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Cambodia, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United States

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