CURRENT MISSION

To make new friends and see the world, even if only from my own doorstep.

ABOUT ME

Growing up, my teachers taught me not to talk to strangers, and I continue to break that rule whenever I get the chance.

PHILOSOPHY

Live, and let live. Ah, Santa Cruz... you taught me well.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I'm somewhat new to couchsurfing, but try to be as active as possible! I've stayed with a few hosts over the past couple years, and have hosted a few travelers. Always hoping to meet more amazing folks!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I went on a couchsurfing trip to Arizona, and our day-trip with some other couchsurfers turned into a week of traveling together. One of the best experiences of my life!

Interests

I brew my own beer, so I love to try new and regional beers -- I'm not picky about this, and appreciate mostly everything I taste. I'm a graduate student in Psychological Science (I call myself a brain scientist - it's probably more accurate than calling myself a psychologist), and love the chance to talk psychology or neuroscience. I also spent a long time in computer science, and can hold my own in a moderate-level discussion of technology. I play just enough guitar to be dangerous, I love learning about languages (even the ones I speak), and am a professional people-watcher. I really should get paid for it. Really.

• culture
• beer
• technology
• traveling
• guitar
• computer science
• languages
• neuroscience
• psychology
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy most any kind of movie, so my favorites tend to span all genres. GATTACA, The Matrix, Kill Bill, Life is Beautiful, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and more.

Music I love includes Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys, Arcade Fire, Mumford & Sons, The Decemberists... okay, I could name bands all day long. I'm sort of unable to resist music in general, and especially enjoy haunting melodies with unusual instruments such as the duduk and the hurdy gurdy.

I went through about a decade where I mostly read books that implicitly offered enlightenment (or at least delved into the abysses of philosophy), and I still love a lot of them. Tom Robbins had a big influence on my personal philosophy (not to say that I agree or disagree with his philosophy, just that it helped me clarify mine). Douglas Adams is one of my personal heroes for his wit at mocking the entire human race while simultaneously loving it unconditionally.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

China was the most amazing trip I've ever taken. I was pretty much in a constant state of wonder. Collectivist cultures are fascinating and wonderful in a way completely different from the amazing culture in the US. Meeting new people, learning about the world, and experiencing it firsthand is really great!

Teach, Learn, Share

If you ever go to the Terracotta Army dig site in China, wait to purchase figurines until you leave. They are far more expensive inside the grounds.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, China, France, Italy, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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