Hey there!

My name is Weston, which is actually my middle name but the name I go by. Originally from the southeastern corner of the state of Iowa, I moved to Portland, OR about 5 1/2 years ago.

I've worked in the food and beverage industry for most of my life, but have started a new chapter by starting my own business designing websites and doing marketing for restaurants, coffee shops, etc.

Having travelled to Europe the past three years for short vacations, I have made it a goal for myself to spend more time exploring the various countries and cultures of Europe, because that is what makes me feel the happiest. I am so intrigued by the culinary history of so many European countries and I want to share that not just with those I meet while travelling, but also to people back in the United States, to show them that there are so many great things outside of their borders.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love exploring the globe by experiencing the food people eat and the community they share. When I travel, I love getting lost in the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of a destination. I prefer real people and real experiences over those that are manufactured to sell. The reason I'm on Couchsurfing is to help facilitate my desire to explore the world and exchange flavors, connections, and community with people from many different walks of life.

Interests

• arts
• culture
• writing
• photography
• coffee
• politics
• technology
• reading
• music
• live music
• soccer
• entrepreneurship
• food
• travelling
• society
• drinks
• community
• urban sketching

Music, Movies, and Books

- Music -

Favorite band of past: Simon & Garfunkel
Favorite band of today: The National
Genres: Alternative, Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Folk, Hip-Hop, R&B

Movies:
I like documentaries about food, music, and art. I admit, I love a good romantic comedy too (and may even cry a little).

Books:
Cookbooks. I love thumbing through cookbooks for hours upon hours.
Also love food writing, and getting sucked into a great fiction novel.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

As a very political person who grew up in the state of Iowa in the United States, we get a lot of attention at the beginning of the political cycle and as a student in high school, I took a few media production classes.

For a project, I followed various politicians along their campaign stops near my part of the state and filmed their speeches and rallies and did interviews with them.

The best moment of all of that, was I got to meet and film an interview with then-presidential-nominee Barack Obama alone in a room, just the two of us. He is one of most genuine, kind people I have ever met in my life, and though I was super nervous, he did great to put me at ease instantly.

One of the coolest moments of my life!

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach:
-Cooking/baking
-Music
-What it's like to walk in my shoes

Learn:
-Foods and beverages
-Culinary customs
-Flavors
-Cultures
-Ways of life
-What it's like to walk in someone else's shoes

Share:
-Recipes
-Stories
-Connection
-Flavors
-Ideas
-Community

What I Can Share with Hosts

With my hosts, I can share my outlook on the world, respect for fellow humans and animals, an open mind, a kind heart, and a gentle-spirit. I tend to think of myself as a "gentle giant" as people because I am big/tall, that I am going to be scary. But I try to put people at ease as soon as I possibly can and show them I'm more like a teddy bear than a scary monster.

I can also cook you dinner or bake you something, from my time working in professional kitchens.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States