CURRENT MISSION

I came to Thailand to truly learn a culture other than that of my home. I specifically sought out a rural, farming area so I could learn the language and the culture without western influence (but don't let my hermitism turn you away!)

ABOUT ME

Well, there is a lot to say. I had a pretty respected job in DC doing government relations but got sick of sitting at a desk counting the hours til the day was over. So I saved some money, backpacked SE Asia for three or four months, then took a job teaching. Running, music, and literature are probably the most important things to me (you notice I continue to honor the oxford comma--LIVE ON!).

PHILOSOPHY

My personal philosophy is that the best people are those most willing to bend to their environments while retaining the core of who they are.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Umm, one of my biggest fears is to be average. So I hope I'm anything but. Students call me Mr. Bean if you are aware of his character's proclivity toward hyperbolic charades. I came here to be a part of Thai culture with very little concern about my own dignity or averions to discomfort. So be aware, I may make you try pigs blood soup or ant egg salad!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I did a four week trip almost five year ago in Europe. All my accomodations were through couch surfing. Admittedly, they were all through a friends account and arrangement though. Also, during university my friend claimed to put our house up for hosting--but it was in the middle of nowhere Oregon and I'm skeptical he truly did.

Interests

Well, please don't let these color your judgement of me. On the more normal side, personal fitness is incredibly important to me. Mainly distance running, but really any personal fitness. On the weirder side, I love comic books, science fiction, fantasy and to add to this weird concoction heavy metal and hardcore music! But don't worry, I'm far more interested in your story! I won't bring up my possibly eccentric interests unless you ask about them!

• culture
• books
• literature
• coloring
• fitness
• running
• music
• camping
• surfing
• science
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Each category gets three. Movies: Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind, Casablanca, Star Wars: The Empire Stikes Back. Music: Emery, Ben Folds Five, Oh Sleeper. Books: Dune, Love in the time of Cholera, Fight Club (sorry).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I spent 3 days camping in my hammock on a secluded (although easily accesible) island in Cambodia. The west side of which is A) a protected national park that means almost no tourists and B) faces a beach that harbors the much-discussed glowing plankton. There are other perks to this trip, but they will not be discussed on CS...

Teach, Learn, Share

I have the following to offer: Basic Thai language/culture lessons. Why American government is probably the best AND worst in the world. Endurance fitness diatribes.