CURRENT MISSION

To discover the unknown.

ABOUT ME

I've always been a curious individual and enjoy learning from whatever avenue. Whether it's meeting new people or discovering new cultures and ideas, I just love to experience new things in life. Exploring the world is fascinating and I can't wait to visit undiscovered places.

I've done a fair share of traveling over the years during medical school and I've found so much joy in using CS. After graduating from university I backpacked Europe with my fiancée and got married on the beautiful island of Santorini in Greece. My wife, Lauren (http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/lauren.parsel), and I share the same dreams and aspirations. Together we are a laid back couple who look for adventure and new things. We are adventurous and love to hike, climb, and just experience the beauty of this world we live in.

As of 2016, my wife and I are moving out of Kansas City and heading to the great city of New Orleans so I can start an otolaryngology surgical residency at Tulane University this coming July and we'd love to host people when we get established in the area.

PHILOSOPHY

- Pay it forward.
- Question everything.
- The only things you regret are the things you don't do.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

CouchSurfing is a way to meet people and discover new things about a place and a way of life and this intrigues me. I love meeting new people, traveling, and learning about culture and this is why I surf.

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

My wife and I travelled across Europe for three months in 2011 and we met many amazing people through CouchSurfing. We have not had the opportunity to host anyway back at home due to our living situation, but as soon as there is a change we would love to host people who come to Kansas (or wherever we end up). We are always up to meet someone in Kansas City for coffee, drinks, or a quick bite to eat.

This summer I will be moving down to New Orleans and we'd love to host surfers when we finally get established.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

We have had nothing but great experiences with CS. While we have not hosted anyway, we have met many great people all over Europe and Canada through CS and it has been both enlightening and fun!

Interests

I love the outdoors and am interested in hiking, climbing, and just experiencing the beauty of Earth. I am always up for new experiences or trying new things.

I love strong coffee, red wine, and hoppy beers.

I am not a big partier but love live music, good conversation, and like to enjoy a beer or glass of wine (or two).

Being healthy and living forever. I want to see the world and want to make the best of life. A big thing for me is staying active and never succumbing to boredom.

• culture
• beauty
• wine
• red wine
• beer
• coffee
• drinking
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• live music
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• rock climbing
• nursing

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: It is hard for me to pinpoint a favorite genre because I am open to pretty much anything. I like more indie/alternative but I love anything from bluegrass to techno to folk and jazz.

Books: There are so many books I have not yet had the chance to read but would love to if I ever find the time.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hiked Long's Peak in Colorado Springs with my wife. This was our first 14K and it was amazing!

Hike the Haiku Stairs in Oahu.

Hitch hiked around the Ring of Kerry in Ireland.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can probably teach you how to suture or something boring like that.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share kindness, good nature, and conversation.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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