I'm currently living in Japan, just outside of Tokyo, and I've been so fortunate to have the opportunity to travel, meet, share, and learn from so many different kinds of people.

Born and raised in Venice Beach, California. Went to university in Montreal, where I studied political theory and international development. Did a lot of photography work in school for newspapers, events, and photo groups. At the moment I'm teaching English and traveling while I figure out next steps.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I really enjoy going to new places and meeting friendly, welcoming people. Couchsurfing is perfect for that.

I also have a lot of fun hosting people, showing them around where I live, and sharing stories.

Interests

I love music. I play the guitar, harmonica, trumpet, french horn, and piano.

Learning Japanese at the moment (but talk about a difficult language).

Was very into photography in college. Shot a lot of digital back then, now just shooting film. I use an old 1952 twin lens reflex camera and a 1970s Nikon FM2 that is my pride and joy.

Books, hiking, chess, photography, camping, beer, and music. The more of those things I can do at the same time, the better. If you're a good chess player, I'd love to play.

• books
• photography
• recipes
• beer
• yoga
• politics
• chess
• traveling
• music
• guitar
• piano
• trumpet
• hiking
• camping
• hunting
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Blues, soul, and hip-hop in that order. Favorite artist is a tie between Neil Young and Sam Cooke. Curtis Mayfield is a very, very close 2nd. Favorite rapper is Mos Def.

Books: Siddhartha (Hesse), Four Quartets (TS Eliot), anything by David Foster Wallace, Nicholson Baker, etc. I need recommendations for Japanese writers, but so far I've been enjoying Oe Kenzaburo, Masanobu Fukuoka, Banana Yoshimoto, and yes of course, Murakami.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Backpacked Papua New Guinea for 4 months.

Once put 28 grapes in my mouth.

Teach, Learn, Share

Always happy to talk about music, politics, photography, and travel. Always happy to share any information I might have that you don't about those particular topics. And eager to learn more about them.

Would also love to learn some good recipes, yoga, and camping/hiking recommendations.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Some easy (or difficult) songs on guitar.
A little bit of music theory.
Some political theory.
How to use your camera (film or digital)
Music recommendations
Travel recommendations

A smile and some good conversations