SO, I'm a poet, translator, songwriter, journalist, and freelancer, all sorts, currently working on a doctoral thesis in eastern Germany (Halle an der Saale). I love to travel, meet new people, see new places, and have unexpected adventures... no surprises there. I'm very outgoing and friendly and am very difficult to make uncomfortable. I've traveled a fair deal, and grown my hair out a good deal longer than what's in that photo, please forgive; attended UWC-AC from 2007-2009, Georgia Tech for two years, American University of Beirut for one year, and Bard College from 2012-2014. I speak rather good German and am very eager to embarrass myself in Russian; my Arabic is weak, and I am intently pursuing my study of Syriac (Aramaic). My thesis is a translation of the 13th century collected poems (probably excluding the 600-line sorta dull one) of Gregory Barhebraeus, one of the most important thinkers, writers, mystics, and overall balling polymaths of the Aramaic world. I like to think that's incredibly interesting. And before you ask, yes, I will so, so much more than gladly give some lessons in introductory Aramaic and Barhebraeus' rubaiyat. It absolutely is what you've been missing.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

What a very silly question.

Interests

I'm most passionate about poetry, and everything to do with the physical world around us - both man-made and natural, I mean. So, great architecture and pleasant forests. Naturally, hiking and strolling around cities are both very high up on my list. I find it difficult to travel without a small book or a fold of blank paper in my pocket. I love trying new foods and beers and wandering around unfamiliar streets and peering in shop windows and taking note of the differences in park bench design from one municipality to another... I'm really rather enthusiastic about most things, actually, if I'm to be totally honest.

• books
• poetry
• architecture
• design
• cooking
• beer
• walking
• shopping
• technology
• traveling
• hiking
• freelancing
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

I don't do these so much, I suppose. I'm every book I can get my hands on, but gravitate towards short tales and poetry. Movies that make me think, or make me laugh, I'm wholly behind, but I just seem not to watch too many. I love most music - although I'll note that there is a pretty distinct difference between southern rock and northern 'rock', and that my co-patriots clearly have the upper hand here. Classical or R&B, it's oldies forever.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The Okefenokee was pretty magnificent. Walking through the Brecon Beacons a few Easters ago was brilliant as well. Life in Tbilisi and associated wanderings was heaven. Honestly most of the things have been awfully neat.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I've been practicing my Southern cooking! Collard greens, for instance, are getting better and better. And of course I hope I make pretty good conversation. Have I mentioned Aramaic poetry.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, England, France, Italy, Jordan, Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Georgia, Germany, Lebanon, United States, Wales