Sharon and I have been married for over 30 years and enjoy our 5 children and 5 1/2 grandchildren. Yes, it can get hectic at time but that’s what brings warmth and fun into our life.

In school I focused on sociology and love to hear other’s stories and getting to know Surfers. We live in a wonderful world and understanding other’s viewpoints enriches my life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My first interest in Couchsurfing came from friend’s stories of how they “traveled without leaving home”. Travel should not be limited to the rich. I love the idea of being part of a world-wide community to enable everyone to travel break down barriers.

Sharon and I first Couchsurfed in Peru back when it was just called “crashing”. We couldn’t believe the difference. It was a way to explore a relaxed atmosphere. It was an inside look at the community we could never have gotten as a hotel-tourist.

Interests

• camping

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: Bill Bryson – Travel Author

Music: Live stage performances such as musicals and plays. Sharon and I both enjoy mainstream music spanning from the 50’s to current top charts. One of our favorite TV shows is The Voice.

Movies: There’s quite a variety. We like the Bourne movies, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, romance, and most Science Fiction. There’s nothing better than popcorn and classics like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Doris Day or Carey Grant.

Blogs/Podcasts: Two white chicks in China, Budget minded traveler, Hardcore History

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In 2007 I helped with an earthquake cleanup in Pisco, Peru. While there I was amazed how many people didn’t have proper eye care.
Annual projects followed. In 2009 I organized a group that assisted rebuilding homes and operated 9 eye care clinics, Pterygium Education and placed almost 1,000 pairs of glasses.
To date, we’ve found homes for almost 10,000 pairs of glasses in Peru, Mexico, Bolivia, Honduras, Ecuador, Marshal Islands, Tonga, and Malaysia.

Thanks to charitable donations we were also able to contribute donated computers to the City of Children orphanage in San Juan, Peru.

Teach, Learn, Share

We are fortunate to live in the US with so many resources. I wish there was a way to educate others how to give back and help those less fortunate (I’m still learning myself).

With a sociology background I have an insatiable desire to experience other cultures and hear stories from around the world.

I have learned you are never too poor to give, kindness costs nothing and is often easy if you just know where to start. We are always looking for volunteers to help distribute supplies to needy communities.

My favorate aspect is that 3 daughters joined us with these projects.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Life is an adventure and I’m still learning myself.
I can help cook a dinner, do some chores, teach English, small building projects.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Curaçao, Ecuador, Guam, Kuwait, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, Saudi Arabia, United States