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I love discussing religion (both philosophically and historically), the intertwined relationship between diplomacy, socioeconomics, philosophy, international relations, education, politics, natural resources, security, history, and environment.

I love growing and evolving. If I have learned anything in the last few years, it is that I will never know enough and there will always be something that not only challenges my world view, but changes it. This keeps me honest with myself. If I’m constantly reevaluating myself and my beliefs, then I am forced to open my mind in a new way when I come to realize previously unconscious biases. What is the point of life we do not grow and learn from our mistakes?

The world is indescribably complex, so no problem is easily solved and no solution is ever perfect and without compromise of some sort; but that does not mean there isn’t a potential solution that is more right or more moral or more humane than another. At some point we will all make rash decisions and will make mistakes, but we can’t lose our faith in humanity; we can’t punish all for the transgressions of the few, for things out of their control.

Forgive and help others grow, and hopefully you will receive the same kindness from someone else.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I like meeting locals when traveling and getting a more accurate cultural experience. I’m also pretty terrible at planning very far in advance because I’m not the greatest at making decisions on my own. There are just so many things I want to do and so few things that don’t interest me, it makes it hard to prioritize a to-do list. I really enjoy having input and advice from locals on what they think I should do in their area. Typically they are the experts!

Interests

Expanding my knowledge and challenging my understanding of the world.

• dogs
• documentaries
• cooking
• running
• politics
• traveling
• cycling
• hiking
• rock climbing
• international relations
• political science
• psychology
• solo travel
• nature
• sustainability
• health
• healthy eating
• healthy lifestyle
• card games
• cards against humanity
• science and technology
• sustainable living
• information technology
• international food
• sustainable tourism
• globalization
• global politics
• global issues
• health and fitness
• information security
• environmental protection
• scientific research
• infosec
• yard work
• history and culture
• socioeconomics
• immunology

Music, Movies, and Books

Anything but scary movies.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I once hitched a ride from London Heathrow Airport to central London from a pilot.

I had flown in from Israel with no luggage (that’s a whole other story) and was trying to get to central London at midnight from the airport. I got on the wrong shuttle (instead of heading to the train station, it was heading the opposite direction—long term parking), and realized too late that I was the only one of the bus that wasn’t an airline employee. A middle-aged EasyJet pilot offered to drive me to the train station because of how late it was, and how long it would take me to get there. When we got to the train station, he checked the schedule for me before dropping me off because the trains ran once an hour at that time....and when we realized I would be sitting at the train station until 1:20am, and likely not reaching my hostel until closer to 3:30 or 4am, he insisted on driving me 45 minutes into London.

He saved me so much stress, money, and sleep...I could never thank him enough. Not to mention we had an incredibly engaging conversation during the entire drive, making for a memory and friendship I will forever cherish.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories, experiences, and a go-with-the-flow company.