CURRENT MISSION

To catch up with the places and people I have missed so far

ABOUT ME

I take time to travel whenever I can. Last Christmas I took a trip from Hong Kong to Shanghai, via Fujian province in China, and this summer I will visit Ukraine. I have worked as a travel writer, writing a newspaper column every week about a trip around the world. This was in 2001, and it was when I stayed with local people for the first time. Since then I have used the globalfreeloaders site as both a guest and host, and now I have joined couchsurfing.

I am a young 47, and have been based in London for nearly 20 years. Having relied on the kindness of strangers when I travel, I am now very pleased that I can also host people at my home -- although it's only a 1-bedroom flat, so families will need to check other hosts, sorry.

I am an open and friendly person, always interested in people and their lives. I am particular interested in food and cooking, and really like to discover local dishes.

PHILOSOPHY

Expect the best of people, and you normally get it.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I met some members in Shanghai, and recently had my first guest! I am looking forward to being part of the network and spreading the word.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I joined couchsurfing a few years ago, but I did not use the site for a long time. I used similar networks before CouchSurfing, and stayed with a broad range of people all over the world. I have also had chance to host some guests at my home.

Interests

Food and cooking, travel, exploring cities

• writing
• dining
• cooking
• recipes
• traveling
• camping

Music, Movies, and Books

So many. Especially documentaries.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Camping in the Himalayas.

Teach, Learn, Share

Some English recipes. Don't believe the stereotypes about my country's cuisine!