Hey there! My name is Ray, and I'm a 24 year old American who grew up in both Boston + Chicago. I graduated college in 2013 with a degree in theatre, + I worked backstage professionally for about a year after graduating. I've been living nomadically for the past year and a half work-trading, and have lived in half a dozen states in that time.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've been working and traveling across the US for the past year and a half. I've been working in a strange combination of theatre/art making, conservation work and environmental education. Most of these gigs are either volunteer or stipend based, and oftentimes I need a place to crash in between gigs. I usually stay with friends, but I've decided to give couch surfing a try!

Interests

Story Swapping
Adventure Seeking
Mountain Climbing
Tree Climbing
Cooking

• arts
• books
• performing arts
• education
• cooking
• traveling
• music
• hiking
• camping
• surfing
• skiing
• rock climbing
• teaching
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

Books -- I read everything I can get my hands on! If I had to pick one favorite it would be The Hobbit (I even have a Smaug tattoo to prove it!).

Movies -- some of my favorites include Singin' in the Rain, Some Like it Hot and anything by Hitchcock. I love the classics!

Music -- I'll listen to anything, from jazz to funk to classical to metal. I love going to see bands I haven't heard of, just to get a real feel for them (and of course to dance).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

A year and a half ago I had never hiked or camped before, but decided to switch things up (I was living in Chicago and making theatre at the time). So I joined an Americorps Trail Crew! I lived in the backcountry for 7 months, hiking and camping all day every day. I'm still surprised I made it out alive! I'm definitely the better for it.

Teach, Learn, Share

I've worked in trailbuilding and conservation, theatre and performance art, nonprofits and administration. Hopefully there's something I can learn something from you and maybe teach you something as well! I try and learn as much as I can from each person I meet and pass it on.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'd love to swap stories, book/music/movie/art recommendations, and I'm a decent cook! I'm a pretty mellow house guest, and if there's something in particular that you do or don't want in a couchsurfer just let me know!