Hi, I'm Rik. I am a professional archaeologist and assistant art conservator living in Portland, OR. I am traveling through Europe with my girlfriend of 2 years, Megan, who is 25 and a Geologist. I'm very new to CS but love the cultural exchange that I've received from other social outlets like HelpX and Housesitting.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on CS to meet like-minded individuals from around the globe, exchange stories and insights, laugh, live in the moment, and share my love for travel.

Interests

My interests include archaeology, art history, distance running, outdoors, reading, microbrews, and conversation.

• arts
• beer
• marathon
• running
• partying
• boating
• reading
• traveling
• guitar
• opera
• outdoor activities
• camping
• archeology
• art history
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite music: I grew up in the age of punk, pop-punk, metal, emo, and screamo but I also love Doo Wop and other Oldies, Indie, and anything with good lyrics and rhythm. Top 3 bands: Brand New, Saves the Day, and Alexisonfire.

Favorite movies: I enjoy cult classics, 80s flicks, and anything action or adventure. I also like a good thriller or indie film. Top 3 movies: Gladiator, Amelie, and Donnie Darko-- and a hundred others.

Favorite Books: I like both fiction and non-fiction. I've been reading a lot of different genres as of late. Latest reads: King Solomon's Mines by H. Rider Haggard, The Beach by Alex Garland, Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, Run With the Hunted by Charles Bukowski , Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, Drown by Junot Diaz, and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Woah, this could be a pretty long list but I would probably say camping for a month in remote Tasmania, watching the New Years Eve fireworks explode over the Opera House from a boat on Sydney Harbour, living in Western Turkey for a month and communicating in the local tongue, partying with some ex-IRA guys in Cork, Ireland, visiting 26 Unesco World Heritage Sites, or excavating at Gournia on Crete.

I am an elite distance runner and near to qualifying for the 2020 USA Olympic Marathon trials, so if that happens...it will probably take the cake.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Bright, upbeat attitude. Always chill and ready to laugh. Extensive traveler and avid reader. I enjoy good beer, guitar around a fire with friends, and a competitive road race.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United States, United States Minor Outlying Islands

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, United States