CURRENT MISSION

My mission is and will always be to experience as much of the world as possible and to share these experiences with amazing people.

ABOUT ME

I'm an easygoing guy who gets along with most everyone.

I'm a bit of a food tourist. I like to see the sights as much as the next guy, but if you can show me a way to enjoy good, authentic cuisine, you'll make a friend for life. If that doesn't work, try a good beer.

PHILOSOPHY

All that is gold does not glitter. Not all those who wander are lost. - J.R.R. Tolkien

I actually have this tattooed on my ribs. :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I surfed through Europe in 2013 and went to a few CS meetups. I didn't participate for over a year until I again surfed through some parts of South East Asia last year. I hosted quite a bit while I was living in South Korea. When I travel, I like to meet up with other surfers to check things out together as well.

I think CS is the best way to see a new place. You automatically know someone who is local and can show you things the tourist maps and guidebooks can't. It's also a way to connect with like-minded people. I have met people through CS that I sincerely hope will be friends for life.

Interests

I love to eat and drink beer. I love to learn languages, but I hate to study them, so I just like to learn through people. I also like weightlifting, water sports, and of course, travel.

Music, Movies, and Books

I love to read. I read almost entirely fiction. I'll read just about anything that tickles my fancy or comes recommended - from sci-fi to historical fiction, classic to contemporary. Some of favorite writers are Cormac McCarthy, J.R.R. Tolkien, Ken Follett, and Murakami Haruki.

As far as movies go, I wouldn't say I prefer a specific genre. I want something that makes me think, makes me laugh, or makes me feel something real. If I had to choose a top 5, it might include something like Old Boy, Snatch, My Sassy Girl, Midnight in Paris, and Forrest Gump, but I could probably make a totally different list on a different day.

I love to listen to classic rock or metal. I even listen to some rap or hip hop when I am in the right mood.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In April of 2012, I enjoyed ohanami, the Japanese custom of viewing cherry blossoms. It is one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had, and the Japanese are right. It really does remind you how fleeting life is. Live, love, travel, explore, try new things. You only get one chance to live your life.

Teach, Learn, Share

Let me first say that I think you all have a lot more to teach me than I have to teach you.

That being said, I spent about 5 years abroad, living in both Japan and Korea and traveling quite a lot whenever possible. I like to think that I have learned a bit, but I admit I still don't know much. Hopefully, I can help give you some perspective about the cultures I've grown to love. I also love to swap fun, scary, or just bizarre travel stories.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I like to think I'm pretty good company. I love to spend time with both my guests and my hosts. I'm also a pretty decent cook, so I'm happy to share a meal.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Laos, Liechtenstein, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, South Korea, United States

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