I've lived in Portland since 1993 and was a transit bus driver here for 26 years. I love to travel to places all over the world where I have some sort of personal connection. Highlights have included countries where I host kids through Compassion International, a child sponsorship NGO. I love art and history, so these are areas of particular interest when I travel. Locally I enjoy the the art scene with regular trips to nearby galleries. I also like music and architecture. I'm part of Portland Mennonite Church, which is a grounding community for me. I co-own this house with a friend and we rent out one or two rooms and also have a guest room. I am car-free by choice. It's great to live near public transportation and be able to ride a bicycle.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I sometimes travel via Couchsurfing because when I'm not with the people I came to see, I like to look around on my own and travel nearby, solo. Doing that is so much more interesting with a personal connection, rather than a sterile hotel-type situation. I believe one learns much more about a place by spending time with someone who lives there, rather than the standard tours and literature. I enjoy meeting and keeping in touch with people from many places! Also, I am on a budget, and cannot afford a lot of the prevalent lodging options.

Interests

• performing arts
• photography
• music
• hiking
• history
• art
• ping pong
• bicycle riding
• regional food
• nature (especially turtles)

Music, Movies, and Books

I like documentary movies, coming-of-age stories, quirky tales, non-fiction and fiction books that reveal the true colors of a place, or make history come alive. I like music distinct to an area, as well as old classic music known the world round in many different genres.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Met the girl I sponsored in Chennai, India. We went to her house, church, the nearby coast, and a carnival where we went shopping and rode a Ferris Wheel though it was petrifying to her and her mother! She's now out of the program and was, last I knew, successfully employed as a nurse.

Teach, Learn, Share

Since I work for the local transit agency, I can advise on how to get around this way. Also, I'm happy to share my knowledge of the local art community.
I'd like to learn similar things in other places.
I like coffee and chocolate, and am interested in sharing these, as well as experiencing them in other places. Taking photos is fun. Not just the standard tourist fare, but with more of an artistic angle I hope.
I love to explore by walking, and promise I can keep up with most hosts in this preferred mode of transport.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am having some cards printed with my art work to share. I'm happy to treat to some foods we share, out and about. With experience in photography, this could by part of what we share, from a more artistic view, or just casually. We can share stories and encouragement of all sorts!

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belize, Burkina Faso, Canada, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Denmark, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Togo, United Arab Emirates

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, United States