CURRENT MISSION

Be grounded (both feet on the ground), yet be in the air paragliding when I can, find my natural spot on this small earth.

*** Please note: I will be in Portugal (and possibly Spain) between Jan 13 and March 15, 2020 ***

ABOUT ME

My nomadic life had come to a screeching halt over 15 years ago but only now I am starting to return to my wandering soul. Lived in 4 countries, speak 3 languages, and a bit more, enjoy and appreciate fine details in life, wit and good sense of humour. Get bored of small talk, sometimes, and love mentally engaging conversations. Write poetry when my inspiration visits, love Latin dance and music. Becoming more particular about travel than 10 or 20 years ago. Enjoy genuine people and love good company.

PHILOSOPHY

Buddhism is my path and my way of living. I hope we have common grounds.

If you can know and love yourself, start there! Then move on to help others, if you can't, don't harm anyone!

And be "conscientiousness" when it comes to other people, their schedule, time and space, specially those you're coming in contact with.

Namaste

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have hosted more than being a couch surfer, and I love to offer hospitality to surfers whenever I can.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've started few years ago and my experience has been very positive and rewarding. Had a wonderful experience couch surfing in Paris, Puebla(Mexico), Quito (Ecuador), Rochester and Baltimore (USA). So far I've hosted several couples, single and two CSurfers at a time, and on few occasions three (and four) surfers (it does get crowded and busy with three guests!). I 2008 I even had family (parents with a young child) at my place when I couldn't be here but it worked out fine (my brother hosted). I've also met CS outside my place for chat and walk. I would love to be involved more but let's be honest, Toronto is crazy and can be hectic with my busy schedule.

Interests

Culture, history, music, sports (ay, soccer, or el futbol es mi pasion y mi religion, though I have retired), y volar! Love to share my experience about almost anything, for free.

Lately, I dedicate lots of time to paragliding. In general, I prefer outdoors over indoors, but I never say no to a good chat and and a good drink.

• culture
• poetry
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• politics
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• sports
• soccer
• paragliding
• history
• languages
• religion
• buddhism
• socio-economics

Music, Movies, and Books

Mostly non-Hollywood, and out of the common mediocre movies. Latin, African, Greek, Persian and Arabic music are my favourite, but I listen to classical, and other. More and more history in general is becoming more interesting and almost tangible; I like how it applies to today's events.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I think I have more than 2 or 3 but this is what I remember as being awestruck:
My first visit to Switzerland coming directly from Baghdad, and everything was clean, organized, just beautiful, and how much green there was. The second is my first visit to Mexico and Yucatán Peninsula, Chichén-Itzá, and also my first visit to Costa Rica, the volcanoes, rain forest and Pacific coast. Then came paragliding, when my life has changed such that most activities pale in comparison!

Teach, Learn, Share

Love to teach, offer advice and learn from those who like sharing their knowledge. Sharing food/drink, music, and opinions among others, is essential to a good CS experience.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Other than the couch, I can take you around on the weekend and in general Summer is the better time to visit Toronto and get to see many events (musical, cultural, etc.). I can suggest places to see, things to do and few good eating places.

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Italy, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Bulgaria, Canada, Spain