CURRENT MISSION

To find more nice people.

ABOUT ME

I've been working as a translator/interpreter for the last 7 years in Bangkok. I sold everything I had in late 2010 and moved to Bangkok from western Japan after living there for several years.

The countryside is nice to visit, but I prefer the big cities and all their dissonance. I can't get enough of the bizarre collection of people that collect in any overgrown metropolis.

I'm a huge music fan, and also play guitar pretty seriously... Recently took up the pedal steel. Clumsy dabbling on other instruments also included: piano, banjo, dobro, etc.

PHILOSOPHY

Still figuring this one out... made it this far: Be as nice as you can to everyone, and mean people absolutely suck.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I hosted over 75 people when I lived in Japan, but I've actually only surfed a few time through couchsurfing.
While not technically part of couchsurfing, I've been helped out by so many generous people with spare couch space, and I've had the chance to return that same kindness to other travelers.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Nothing but incredibly positive experiences couchsurfing. So many brilliantly interesting people have passed through my door thanks to this website, many of them leaving their toothpaste behind.

Interests

Music of all genres, with a particular fondness for trad music. Languages/linguistics, juggling, local bands, tiny local bars, folklore, and most of all listening to the stories of those I meet. I run or jump rope almost everyday, spurred mostly out of a self-abuse interest than the need to stay fit.

I'm also a serious juggler, and always travel with extra clubs in case I meet anyone who wants to pass.

• singing
• folklore
• running
• juggling
• music
• guitar
• piano
• blues
• wrestling
• teaching
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Kind of a weird trait, but I like to hear about what books other people have been reading rather than reading myself. The oral tradition or laziness? Tell me about a good book you read, and I'll probably like it.

Music is very important to me. I embrace the entire spectrum, but am partial to Celtic tunes, trad ballads, old time, bluegrass, and all traditional forms of music. Yeah, I like raunchy, offensive guitars with a good knock-you-over bass too.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Made a good living as a street performer for over 5 years.

Saw an old Japanese man wrestle a wild boar that tried to attack him. Absolutely bizarre.

Teach, Learn, Share

Learn and share... Would love to hear you play or sing anything you can. Perhaps make a session out of it?

What I could teach you... I'm a certified Japanese teacher, something I've mostly kept secret while living in Japan. I can show you how to solder, juggle, play banjo, some good blues runs on the piano, set up a sound system for any type of band, hold a handstand, and do a back flip.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

India, Japan, Thailand, United States

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