CURRENT MISSION

Taking all in...cookie monster style num num num

ABOUT ME

I decided to forgo a vain search for employment in the States for an adventure in the Middle East. I'm currently living in Amman,Jordan working for Columbia University and teaching English plus cramming as much Arabic and Middle Eastern History/Politics/Culture into my brain before returning home.
I don't like discussing my life story, I'd rather hear yours.

PHILOSOPHY

Hard to answer this question without being maudlin. I guess I live my life because it's not heavenly. Being a westerner gives me the ability to lead a relatively stress free life, but that doesn't do it for me. I'd rather dig myself into the mud than sit on a plush couch sucked in to the tube. My life has been surrounded by people who think of others before themselves. I try to incorporate that into my life as much as possible.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

By hosting I hope to give people a solid base for exploring the awesome things Jordan has to offer as well as my perspective on the region. By surfing I hope to meet new people, hear their stories, and broaden my horizons. I hope that doesn't sound trite.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I surfed through Israel with some friends and it was one of the most educational, fun experiences of my life. It's nice staying with people who have more experience with the local culture than you do. Staying with Israelis and expats showed me another side to the region beyond the sporadic tectonic political shifts the media portrays.

Interests

Hmmm... History for sure....politics of course....writing, reading, tennis, running,hiking, spending time with nice people, and long, meandering walks.

• arts
• culture
• writing
• running
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• hiking
• surfing
• scuba diving
• tennis
• communications
• history
• medicine
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: Once Upon a Time the West, Apocalypse Now, Lucky Number Slevin

Books: The Quiet American, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Inherent Vice, East of Eden, Lamb

Music: Teddy Thompson, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Amr Diab, Wilco

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Jeez, I think a list is good for this section (not in any particular order):
1. Running a 150 mile relay from the Dead Sea to Aqaba (a city on the southern tip of Jordan).
2. Traveling through Australia with my best friend.
3. My couch surfing extravaganza through Israel.
4. Scuba diving in Curacao with my family
5. Any trips to Telluride, Colorado (mostly with my family but friends too).
6. Medical missions down to Honduras.
7. Living in Meknes, Morocco for a summer (Just a spoonful of Berber helps the medicine go down).
8. Farming in Wadi Rum for 5 weeks.
9. The ZORB!!
10. Any volunteering I've done.

Teach, Learn, Share

Of course I want to share my perspective on the Middle East and the world at large, but I also want to teach people the art of living simply. It's not about the money, it's about the people around you.

Countries I’ve Visited

Morocco, Nicaragua

Countries I’ve Lived In

Jordan, United States