** CURRENT STATUS **
Hello fellow travelers! I am CURRENTLY TRAVELING across the United States from East coast to West coast. So two things...

FIRST - I unfortunately can't host obviously but will again when I am able.

SECOND - if you can host I would be very grateful for your hospitality.

I do not necessarily need indoor accommodation. I have a tent and air mattress so if you have a spot in your yard that would be awesome!!

If I could use some facilities (bathroom kitchen etc - even better but not necessary. But I certainly don't need a bedroom or even a couch.

Thank you so much!!

MISSION

To empathize, learn, help when I can and make a positive impact.

ABOUT ME

I am passionate about travel and meeting new people. If I could sum all of my travel experiences into one concept- people around the world are very different via culture, language, tradition etc but we are all essentially the same from a human perspective. We should focus on our similarities to unite us and celebrate our differences in a peaceful way. Differences make life beautiful, alive and wonderful.

I love renewable, carbon free energy concepts and am always staying current with its advances. In our day and age we shouldn't be relying on non-renewable/ carbon producing sources of energy when the potential exists to eliminate them.

I'm a tech addict and it blows my mind how fast we are progressing. However, I try to live as frugally as possible and try to put most of my financial resources into traveling.

I find that possessions generally own you, not the reverse.I love traveling and meeting new people. Life just blows me away. I wake up and wonder why I am cognitive about existence and why we came to understand this concept. I'm seeking to find the reason- or at least my reason for existence. I'm thankful and intrigued that we live in an era where world travel is more obtainable than ever before in history and we can meet people from around the world as never before.

So far I've been fortunate to have visited 48 US states, 5 continents and over 50 countries - too many towns/cities to number.

PHILOSOPHY

Everyday I try to learn something new, help someone in need and do something creative.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

By building a global community through mutual respect, understanding, and a continual increase in knowledge through cultural awareness, experiences, and good times! And of course hosting and surfing as much as possible.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have used couchsurfing quite a few times now, and have also used hospitalityclub (a similar site). I have been a member there for years, but for several reasons i like CS a lot better. I also have just met some really great people along my travels who have let me stay with them and visa-verse.

Interests

Traveling and backpacking, writing, classical music, thinking, working out, learning, sailing, anything active and outdoors, reducing possessions and planning my next long term trip. My secret passion is film making.

Music, Movies, and Books

I like movies and books that make you re-consider your perspective or discover new ones. Self admittedly I tend to read articles, journals, stories, and information online as opposed to books. I enjoy classical, reggae and electronic music the most but every genre is ok in moderation.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Probably the most amazing thing I have seen is the Lotus Temple in Delhi or the Cathedral of Cologne. But, the best experiences i have had are with people I've met along the way that turn out to be amazing and friends for life.

Teach, Learn, Share

The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know. I would love to be able to travel in some of the "taboo" for westerners countries in the middle east. I would love to know more about Asia and Africa. I would also love to know any practical travel advice that anyone has.

From my travels I have learned:
1. Pack light! Every time I travel, I always end up with a smaller bag than I started because I realize how much stuff I dont actually need.

2. Liquid soap/ shampoo can double as laundry detergent and you only really need two or three pairs of clothes and maybe half a dozen pairs of socks and underwear especially if you are traveling long term. Sinks or rivers and a little elbow grease double as washing machines.

3.Its better to wear three or four layers and have options than to have a really heavy coat that is hard to lug around.

4. Most things you think you may need, you end up not using. You can buy almost anything on the road. If you're wondering if you need to pack a non-essential item ... you probably don't.

5. Dont rush! If you try to squeeze too many places into a short trip you will probably end up stressed out and hating your time, its ok to take it slow and get lost in places rather than sticking to an exact itinerary.

6. With the exception of legendary architecture or significant historical sites, the entire focus of my travel is people. Travel to me is about the experience of immersing all of your senses in the present - the local people are the ones who can help accomplish this the most.

7. Live like a local. Don't eat ice-cream everyday and get drunk every night. Interact with people- buy them a coffee/beer or strike up a conversation in a market. You may be surprised they are as intrigued by you as you are of them.

8. If you come from a Western country be mindful of your spending. Not only is frugality a good concept for happiness and your wallet, but you can appear as arrogant to locals who possibly earn much less than you are able to spend - simply because of where they were born...

9. Always be open to another person's point of view. Even if they are bigoted you will change their mind from who you are much much easier than what you say. Respect is earned. Kindness is universal and speaks louder than words.

hopefully more to come...

What I Can Share with Hosts

Info about traveling or LA

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

India, Netherlands, United States

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