I am a free-spirited adventure traveler and photographer. I left the USA in 2012 and hope never to return.

For me, experiencing the world first-hand is both passion and purpose. It is why I get out of bed every morning and move further out of my comfort zone into the unknown. I approach everyone I meet as a peer and a friend, and love nothing more than learning how to see things from the perspective of others.

I gave up a lucrative career as a software architect to pursue this different path, and I look forward to meeting you, and sharing thoughts and moments.

Namaste,
---jim

Warum ich bei Couchsurfing bin

I'm here primarily to help make my dream of circumnavigating the African continent a reality. I have been planning this trip for more than two years, and have assembled a group of supporters who help me meet my basic needs, but my budget is tiny. I spend most of my time living in my tent, but this is often impossible (and undesirable) in urban areas, and it doesn't typically help me make connections to locals.

I can spin it with fancy words, but the truth is simply that I need the world's help and friendship in order to breathe life into my dreams. Fortunately, the world is full of such kindness and compassion, and hope.

Thanks for taking the time to read this through...and all the best to you and yours.

Interessen

• literature
• photography
• politics
• cycling
• backpacking
• skydiving
• paragliding

Musik, Filme und Bücher

This list would be too long. I have 11 years of university-level education in music: composition and conducting. I haven't been active in the field for decades, but my interest in music (all sorts, and I actually mean that) has only grown over time.

Eine tolle Erfahrung, die ich gemacht habe

Rode my bicycle across Mongolia, alone (2015).
Lived in a Nepali village where I was the first outsider ever to visit.

Was ich mit Gastgebern teilen kann

This is a tough one. Obviously we can share experiences and stories. And respect and interest in their lives and cultures and families. And smiles. Practically, I'm happy to take professional quality photographs of my host and host families and provide those for use (that's a win-win situation for me: I love candid, natural portraits). Of course I have lots of practical information I can share regarding travel in Nepal or Mongolia or India.

I can ultimately only share myself--openly and honestly and with respect.

Länder, die ich besucht habe

Austria, Belgium, Benin, Canada, China, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Togo, Turkey, Uganda, United States, Western Sahara

Länder, in denen ich gelebt habe

Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador, Germany, India, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Togo, United States