CURRENT MISSION

To make a recognizable mark on the world of which I can be proud.

ABOUT ME

Georgia is the 9th state I've lived in and now officially the longest (19 years!). I'm getting an itch to be a moving target again, particularly overseas.

I'm always trying to figure out how something works and how to make it work better, no matter the scale or practicality. I like to make use of my OCD-like tendencies to serve a purpose.

PHILOSOPHY

Utilitarian, making the most of what I have.
Minimalist, making do with little.
Meliorist, optimistic we can improve the world through conscious effort.
Working, to be part of the solution.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Mostly attend meetings and events, here in Atlanta and around the world. Have organized a few and given many tours. Enjoy hosting when I can; most of my experience was under my ex's profile.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

So far I've made a lot of friends through CS, gotten a lot of advice, taken a couple rideshares, gone to many CS events, and organized a couple.

Interests

Cycling/bikepacking, sustainable living, electric and autonomous vehicles, economics, engineering, science, history, technology, politics, debate. People. Street art. Walking/exploring. Nature.

I'm not interested in celebrities, sports, TV, or status symbols.

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite book is Crime and Punishment. Also love James Clavell's historical fiction.

I like classic movies and ones that make you think about life and society. I can't really discuss many TV shows because mine's been unplugged for 20 years.

For music I like Radiohead, Pink Floyd, and classic rock. For live music I prefer jazz and blues.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Cycled Spain and Portugal for 3 months during the Pandemic. Climbed a cliff near the middle of a town and found a massive, hidden waterfall that 'no one' knew about (except the power company :P). Got into a scuffle with a pimp. Broke my leg walking in Russia. Successfully smuggled rare beer in my single checked bag (that qualifies as carryon) used on a 6 week trip. Camped on the beaches of the Yucatán in August (sweltering heat) and managed to find craft beer in areas without simple infrastructure. Hiked the hell out of Machu Picchu. Drove 10h in a snowstorm on summer tires without an accident. Drove my electric vehicle 50% farther than it's stated range (ok, I 'broke down' a couple times as well).

Teach, Learn, Share

I know most of what there is to know about electric vehicles. I can teach you how to eat healthy on a dollar a day, money mechanics (historical or modern), foosball, rainbow kicks. I can teach you how GPS, radar, lidar, or radio/TV works. Or about ancient civilizations.

I'd love to learn how to live sustainably: farming/gardening, terracing/irrigation, construction (especially using alternative materials), and PV systems. At the moment I'm trying to figure out the next phase of my career/life.

What I Can Share with Hosts

My passion in understanding the world and finding creative solutions to problems. My broad (albeit not always deep/consistent) knowledge of technology, science, and the trivial that allows me to be conversant on most topics. Good stories that tell people who I am and give them a sense of my humor without the need for familiarity.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Paraguay, Peru, Russian Federation, Scotland, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States