CURRENT MISSION

Understand cultures around the world and learn more about myself through deep and experiential travel.

ABOUT ME

I grew up the youngest of three children in Wisconsin, USA. I went to college, found a job at an industry-leading electronic health software company, and met my future wife there.

I'm bidding a fond farewell to my 20s, and I recently re-evaluated my goals in life. Traveling to new countries and meeting new people has always been one of my passions. I'm trading in my office job for the life of a traveler. My plan is to spend roughly a month in places around the world to learn and understand the culture and characteristics of the country. Along the way, I'll be blogging at my website, http://www.traveling-savage.com/.

It's going to be a wild ride and I can't think of a better vehicle than through meeting and staying with the wonderful members of CouchSurfing.

PHILOSOPHY

I feel that best way to learn about yourself is to learn about others. I think this belief underlies my love of travel and why I'm trading my current lifestyle for a new one.

Above all, be kind, caring, and compassionate to others and life will be more enriching for it.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I would like to start participating by CouchSurfing with others when I begin this new phase in my life. I'm keeping my eyes open for CS meet-ups and and events. My wife and I will also begin to host in our neck of the woods.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I'm new to CouchSurfing and haven't had any experiences yet. I'm hoping to meet some great people through CouchSurfing starting this fall as I'm planning a month-long trip to South America (destination TBD).

Interests

I love traveling. Nothing beats the high of visiting new places and soaking in the differences and idiosyncrasies of the destination.

I'm interested in learning about the ins and outs of cultures, the food, traditions, and history that makes them tick. I love meeting thoughtful, engaging, compassionate people who have a lust for life and a positive outlook.

Scotland is one of my favorite places in the world. I consider myself a single malt Scotch whisky aficionado and find relaxation in a dram every now and then. The scenery there is awe-inspiring and natural beauty is one of my favorite things to immerse in.

I love games of all kinds, ice hockey, world cuisine, and finding new music. I've been skydiving and I can be prone to adventure sports if the mood is right.

Finally, I love going out with friends and enjoying some drinks in the company of good conversation.

• culture
• writing
• poetry
• beauty
• dining
• drinking
• traveling
• blogging
• music
• guitar
• skydiving
• sports
• hockey
• history
• software

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm a music fiend. Here's a sampling of musicians I love: Radiohead, David Gray, Boards of Canada, The Twilight Sad, Thievery Corporation, Jack Johnson, Mogwai, Explosions in the Sky, Coldplay, Four Tet, Tool, Underworld, and Scottish folk.

I tend to read mostly fantasy and historical fiction, like George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and Bernard Cornwell. I've recently read Stephen King's Dark Tower series and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I generally like most movies, though I'm not an aficionado of any particular style or genre. Movies that I've enjoyed include Fight Club, Dancer in the Dark, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and The Hangover. I also enjoy foreign cinema.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I went skydiving. It was both terrifying and exhilarating, and I left that experience a changed man.

I plan on doing a few more amazing things in the coming years.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm good with computers. I built my home desktop computer and I've learned countless programs, such as Ableton Live (for music production). I've also learned how to build and maintain a website (see my personal site).

I have beginner proficiency in playing acoustic guitar and in the Israeli self defense system known as Krav Maga.

Writing is my profession and I've been writing poetry for over a decade.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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