I'm maybe a bit eccentric, but get along well with most members of this community. I teach English, either as a foreign, second, or academic language, in colleges and universities abroad. The main reason I enjoy this work is being able to help young adults find their voice and design a good life. I also really like languages and the science of learning in general; doesn't matter if its vocabulary flashcards or dog training. Why not both?

Open-minded as long as others' rights and humanity are respected. LGBTQIA+ friendly, 420 friendly, average dude bro friendly.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm finally getting to a place where I can travel often. I hosted for awhile years back when I had a place and a relatively stable job. Currently I'm working in China most of the year, and traveling slowly

For me, a good exchange between host and guest is one of compassion and human connection. To show this level of trust and care for a complete stranger is both terrifying and liberating. Not unlike jumping out of an airplane.

I only accept friend requests from people I've actually met. That said, if you send a request before we meet, I'll probably talk to you and try to set a meeting. Just don't be surprised if I don't accept the request until we meet.

Interests

Slow Travel. I'm a terrible tourist, but I love to just "live" in a new place for a month or two and get a deeper sense of life in that area.

Permaculture. Gardening or farming, whatever you want to call it, but I love to design outdoor food-growing areas in a natural way. I'm often looking for volunteer opportunities to work on a farm in a foreign country.

Education. And the broad intersections thereof; cognitive science, the socio-politics of education, and its role in promoting or delaying social progress.

• lgbt rights
• minimalism
• learning languages
• permaculture
• arabic
• cognitive science
• sustainable living
• immigration
• stoicism

Music, Movies, and Books

Music. Mashrou3 Leila, Puscifer, and Zoe Keating have been on my playlists a lot lately, and recently getting into Hello Psychaleppo and the electro-tarab and electro-chaabi music from MENA countries. I tend to enjoy a variety of rock, house, trance, alternative, and drum and bass genres. Anything with Maynard James Keenan or Azam Ali.

Movies. I enjoy comedies, but don't really watch a lot of TV. I love Tina Fey, and just about anything from the SNL family. Guillermo del Toro makes some damn good scary movies too.

Books. I read a lot, just not many books. When I do read read, its usually non-fiction.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I won a "My Favorite Foreign Teacher" award my first year teaching in China.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach. If you're trying to learn something, I can help you break it down, especially if you're trying to learn a language. I might also have some random tips and tricks related to gardening, minimal/zero-waste living, travel, and technology use.

Learn. I would love to learn more about agriculture, especially working with food forests and pruning/grafting trees. I'd also like to develop healthier habits with my diet and exercise. I'd also really like to learn how to give great massages.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Help around the house, running errands. I can cook. If you're into podcasts, we can compare our favorites.

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Jordan, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, United States