CURRENT MISSION

Travel and play music; meet people from different walks of life

ABOUT ME

I grew up in a musical family in Newton, MA but had a passion for the natural sciences. Majored in biology in college and then began playing flute in my last year, and 10 years later, became a saxophonist as well. I do some translating from Italian and some free-lance typing and editing. But principally I give music lessons and performances. My main touring is done in Italy, with pickup bands, and I find it a wonderful change.

PHILOSOPHY

I love to teach music and pass on what I've learned, and play for people in a meaningful context.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I tour frequently in Italy, Switzerland, UK and sometimes France. It is a wonderful change for me. I also love to visit New England. My favorite activities when not practicing or playing gigs are going to movies, mostly foreign movies.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I had two nights on my last 5-week Italy trip, in which I didn't know where to sleep. I used CS in Bari and found a wonderful person and he offered me his bedroom so he wouldn't disturb me when he went to work. I was so excited about this new internet group! And still am!
My place is very quiet, and I've been here 37 years as a renter. Since it's a 2-family house, I want to add that I only take about one guest per month. That makes it easier on the other dwellers. It's just part of the tradition here not to have too much activity in and out. So if I don't accept you, please understand it in this context! It's not my own place. Oh yes - and I only take one person, not two.
I far prefer one to two nights, can rarely do more than that. You could look for me under the rentals subgroup for longer periods, but not doing much of that right now.

Interests

I love birdwatching (not much time anymore though), languages, movies, walks, and of course listening to and playing and teaching music.

• festivals
• gardening
• movies
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• biology
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Among my favorite movies are old Truffaut b&w's, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, La Strada, Trip to Bountiful and anything with the theme of pedagogy. Anything that is moving and has a spiritual message.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Going to Italy and speaking the language is amazing. Playing at Madison Square Garden Salsa Festival for 10,000 people when I first came to New York was amazing.Playing at Aula Giulio Cesare in Campidoglio, Rome, was utterly amazing - and being almost front-page in nearly every Rome newspaper. Some people experience this every day, but for me it was a one-time thrill.
Seeing my first chestnut-sided warbler, when I was about 10, was also a lifetime thrill. I was an avid birdwatcher.

Teach, Learn, Share

Every time I meet someone new or have someone stay in my house (room-mates, guests etc) I feel there is a lesson that they have shared with me, by telling me about their life, by showing me a different way or a different life style. I always feel enriched.

What I Can Share with Hosts

The person who said he wouldn't stay with me again (see references) never did stay with me, and never met me; therefore he wasn't supposed to write a reference. He was frustrated because I couldn't get home from work early to accommodate him. I've enjoyed all those who've stayed with me and find my life enriched by each and every one, always in some unexpected way!!

Countries I’ve Visited

France, Italy

Countries I’ve Lived In

Israel, Italy, United States

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