CURRENT MISSION

To give my children the keys to the world... and experience as much of what the world has to offer me along the way.

ABOUT ME

I spent the Summer of 2010 driving 12,000 miles around the country. Along the way I surfed about 15 times or so. It was a great experience and I look forward to the opportunity to "pay if forward" to other travelers. You can see what I've been up to on my blog at TomJustTom.com.

I have been trying to make it as a professional photographer for the past few years. This economy was not exactly the time to undertake one of the toughest professions to break into, but I'm starting to see some real rewards from my work. I photograph just about anything, but have found a bit of a niche with food photography. You can see more of that at Susqueats.com. More can be found at TomWenger.com and BurningHouseStudios.com.

I have two wonderful kids who are truly the apple of my eye. I can't get enough of them when they are home and I miss them terribly when we are apart.

I have always loved to travel and have spent a summer backpacking though Europe back in the 80s. I'd travel a lot more if I didn't have to be a responsible adult.

I really enjoy getting glimpses of different culture. There is so much to learn out there that comes from beyond our Hamburger and Hotdog mentality. To that end I am a bit of a foodie (as my photography may indicate) and love trying new foods. I also am fairly accomplished at a few Thai dishes and other Eastern dishes.

I'm also into sports. I enjoy watching baseball (Go Phillies), football (Go PSU and Philly Eagles) but have participated in Rugby in one form or another since the late 80s. I still play a couple "Old Boys" matches a year. I enjoy competition and would also sit down to a game of chess or cribbage or hearts and would be willing to learn any card game you would be willing to teach.

PHILOSOPHY

Live by the golden rule and always be respectful of other people (until they really piss you off. ha!)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Surfing, hosting, hanging. Whatever way works.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Awesome, awesome, awesome. I've met some really great people while seeing some really great places. Have I mentioned the great people? Did I say awesome?

Interests

My Kids
Photography
Music
Rugby & other sports
Traveling
Food/Cooking
Meeting new people
Photographing food that I cooked for my kids and guests (or travel hosts) while listening to music and nursing my rugby bruises. Or something like that...

• culture
• photography
• dining
• cooking
• chess
• traveling
• blogging
• music
• backpacking
• camping
• surfing
• sports
• baseball
• soccer
• rugby
• world cup
• nursing

Music, Movies, and Books

My IPod is an eclectic mix, but I mostly like older more obscure rock and newer singer songwriter/indy pop type stuff. I have hundreds of CDs and over a thousand albums (that still get played). I get tired of hearing the same thing more than a few times, so something new is always welcomed. Though if it sounds like screaming, or heavy rap, or has too much country twang it probably isn't what I'm into. I do love me some classic country though.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Driving 12,000 miles across this country CSing, camping and staying with friends - What an amazing country with amazing people

A Summer Backpacking through Europe - Amazing

Traveling with my rugby buddies to the Rugby World Cup in Ireland - Amazingly Fun

The Cirque Du Soleil "O" show in Vegas - Amazing

Becoming a Father - Wonderfully Amazing

Playing Rugby at 43 - I'm amazed I'm still doing it

Teach, Learn, Share

Well, I'm happy to impart some photographic knowledge or teach you how to make a Thai Penang Curry or Indian Buttered Chicken and my favorite Naan recipe. Let you experience some deep tracks or even some cuts off of a Pink Floyd or Eric Clapton bootleg album. I'm also pretty skilled with computers, but who wants to get bogged down in that???

Countries I’ve Visited

Aruba, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Saint Lucia, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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