CURRENT MISSION

Get to know Birmingham

ABOUT ME

2 years ago a new sales job in Telecoms signalled an end to a semi nomadic existence that took me to all corners of the globe.

During 2008/2009 I have travelled the globe with my wonderful girlfriend Jenny. Over 18 amazing months we trotted across Europe, Russia, Siberia, Mongolia, China and South East Asia overland using only trains, buses and boats.

After 6 months backpacking we heard so much about New Zealand we had to fly over here to see what it was all about. I'm really glad we did, we went around the South Island in a campervan, and have spent many good times as WWOOFERs staying with some really great people in some wonderful communities.

Always interested to meet local people and get a real taste of the community we are visiting. I enjoy a drink from time to time and love going to live events, music and theatre.

PHILOSOPHY

Live in the now, dont fear the unknown, embrace it. Try be happy with what life throws me, I have a lot of faith in the goodwill of others. Always see the good side of someone and dont fear the bad and the ugly side. Hate feeds on fear as Yoda said!

A combination Jedi mythology with environmentalism describes my outlook. I believe we can all make a difference and that right now is the time to unite as collective and bring an end to corruption, greed and devastation.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I'm interested in meeting any couch surfers and hosts. Its great to find out places to visit off the tourist trail and get a feel for the area. I love to taste any local speciality food, so would always be happy to chip in for some shopping, or join you for visit your favourite restaurant.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

My girlfriend and I have stayed in the suburbs of Moscow with a lovely host and her family, and experienced so much in just 3 days. Loved it!

Also met up with more global freeloaders in various cities in China, and was lucky enough to meet a tour guide in training so he could practice on us and have a great time in the process!

Been WWOOFing in NZ (see www.wwoof.org) work on the land a few hours for the host in return for accomodation and food. Apart from usual weeding, this has seen us mucking out Llama farms, working on a website for a Chocolaterie, tree-planting in the bush, and helping to renovate a former psychiatric hospital!

All the lovely people I met along the way have had a huge impact on my life and I feel privileged and touched by their willingness to share their homes and beautiful countries with me. Cheers all!

Interests

Films (in particular documentary and independent cinema).
Music (especially live gigs and jam sessions). I have an appreciation for most genres and era's. I love playing anything with keyboards- piano, synths, organs and accordions!

I like to get out and about in the good weather, I really enjoy hiking and tramping, cycling, rock climbing and kayaking.

• documentaries
• dining
• drinking
• flying
• shopping
• movies
• music
• piano
• cycling
• hiking
• backpacking
• kayaking
• rock climbing
• tourism
• wwoof

Music, Movies, and Books

Whichever I'm in the mood for at the time but a good fit of laughter and good music always does the trick.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Horse riding across the snow covered Terej desert in Mongolia visiting Nomadic herder families. Courtesy of Ger to Ger, absolutely amazing!! (www.gertoger.org)

Teach, Learn, Share

I would be happy to give a few beginner piano lessons for anyone interested.
I could also give video camera and editing workshops for those wanting to make their home videos more fun for others to watch!