CURRENT MISSION

After 5 months of working and living in Antarctica it’s time for a break and to enjoy some travel. Searching for cultural exchange to learn about language, religions, customs, architecture and unique people. Travel plans: Missouri - New York City - Ciudad México - Oaxaca - Chiapas

ABOUT ME

I'm a curious and outdoorsy type. I love the quiet and solitude of the wilderness, but also thrive in the city. Work seasonally as a helicopter mechanic and geek out on technology and science. My career is in Alaska and Antarctica, but I get away to travel backpacker style. I'm definitely always up for an adventure; getting lost or jumping in on a spontaneous trip never fails to excite me. My reason for traveling is to open up my mind, to question my assumptions and to learn. I enjoy people, particularly someone who can show me something new or remind me of something important. I consider myself a happy person, sometimes a bit quiet and tend to be an easygoing guy on my travels.

Philosophy

The Dalai Lama says it best: “I consider we are all the same as human beings, mentally, emotionally and physically. In order to ensure a more peaceful world and a healthier environment we sometimes point a finger at others saying they should do this or that. But change must start with us as individuals.”

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I enjoy teaching Spanish and English introduction at CouchSurfing language exchanges. In the USA I'm often placed in odd locations all over Alaska during the summer season and make an effort to always assist the many tourists and adventures passing through our beloved state. When abroad I try to share my Alaskan and American culture with food, language, conversation and stories.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I was on a roadtrip through Canada with two french hitchhikers and they helped me break my shyness with Couchsurfing. Our hosts were so welcoming and fun in British Colombia. They taught us how to slackline! It was a great feeling to meet so many people with such warm hearts and trust.

Interests

I do a lot of hiking and I adore mountain wilderness and desert landscapes. I am fond of adventures in backcountry camping and mountain climbing. When available I often take sport in rock climbing, kayaking, scuba diving, and fishing. I am also deeply interested in foreign languages, architecture, ethnic food, studying religions and string instruments. I play guitar when I have time. Whatever you are interested in, I am sure I will be interested to talk with you about it!

• architecture
• salsa dancing
• cooking
• painting
• guitar
• camping
• scuba diving
• sailing
• astronomy
• mountains
• lgbt
• buddhism
• spanish

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite books: Shantaram by Robert Gregory and 100 Años de Solidad by Gabriel García Márquez.
When it comes to music, I'm all about Indi, Salsa, and Reggaeton.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One Chilean summer I hitch hiked 4300km through Patagonia top to bottom from Puerto Montt to the very bottom of South America in Ushuaia. Climbing mountains, making local friends, learning traditions, learning the dialect and creating some of the best memories. I highly suggest you visit Patagonia too.

Teach, Learn, Share

I enjoy teaching and learning how to cook. I'm big into Indian curries, Italian, and baking breads. If you wish I can tutor you in Spanish and/or English, as I've always had a passion with languages and I'm always thrilled to learn new tongues. I can offer a little guitar guidance if we have one on hand.

Countries I’ve Visited

Antarctica, Argentina, Aruba, Austria, Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, United States