CURRENT MISSION On a continuous quest to refine my Top 10 list of the World's most awesome benches...ready for the day when I lose it all and retire to an exotic bench with a view! ABOUT ME By nature a soft-spoken introvert, after college I was determined to break out of my shell and expand my boundaries by dedicating myself to the eye-opening experience of independent travel, both domestically and internationally. Over the years, I have enjoyed 7 coast to coast driving adventures in the US where I coined the phrase "Mooch Across America", making good use of couches and fully appreciative of the exceptional kindness of friends and strangers alike. Foreign travels include a liberating 8 month stint in Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia, 4 adventurous months traveling overland from CapeTown to Nairobi (Africa) 3 week Freighter excursion from Miami through Panama Canal down to Chile followed by a rejuvenating 2 month public transport tour around Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia and Peru, an awe inspiring taste of China/Tibet and more than a dozen trips to various regions of Europe. Along the way I have made a mountain of life-long friendships and been molded into a proud, card carrying citizen of the world! PHILOSOPHY Our fellow inhabitants on the planet and how we relate to them is all that really matters. Regardless of how many great friends we have, making a new friend always refreshes one's spirit and expands one's possibilities! New friendships are the gift that keep on giving!

CURRENT MISSION I have been traveling the world, drinking wines, and experiencing the lands and people of the countries I visited. My most recent Around-the-World (ATW) trip was 3-month traveling Southern Europe wine tasting in July - November 2024. It was a great time exploring beautiful landscapes and meeting the friendly people of Southern Europe (Balkans, Albania, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain). Seeing Europe through the eyes of the locals, finding new friendships, learning about, and drinking wine was a true life experience. Follow us on our blog: bullontherun.wordpress.com. ABOUT ME I'm a retired professional living a life-worth-living by following my passions - meeting new friends, sharing laughter, eating local food, and of course drinking good wine. Work a bucket list. Carpe Diem Divorced after 45 years, of marriage, I’ve grown. I cannot think of anything more rewarding than experiencing the world and its people, learning together, and sharing our differences and sameness – creating understanding. PHILOSOPHY I am fully aware of my mortality. Yet, I still wake up every morning with the desire to seek out adventure. Age need not be a barrier when you find passion in what you do. The true secret to keeping your curiosity alive is to continue to learn, find ways to be courageous, see challenges as openings to experience new opportunities, and touch a life worth living. ‘Carpe Diem’ each day to create, laugh out loud, and show that it is never too late to move forward with enthusiasm and joy."

CURRENT MISSION To host travelers, make them feel welcome, and have a good time in the process. ABOUT ME Hi CouchSurfers! I live in San Marcos close to shops, restaurants, amusement parks, etc. I am originally from Colima, Mexico, and have been living in San Diego North County for a few years now. I work for a wholesale plant nursery growing ornamental and unusual plants, like carnivorous plants, orchids and other indoor plants. PHILOSOPHY What is the worst that can happen? Do not worry too much about the material things... they come and go, try to live your life one day at at time and be happy, there is no time for bad energy or bad feelings, they just damage your body and spirit! And do not spend your money in material things, they are a drag at the end, spend your money in experiences.

Bio in progress… Residing on the coast, I naturally went to the beach quite often and took up surfing (I love surfing to this day, although I'm still not very good at it😅). I also did a lot of snowboarding in the winter and skateboarding year round. I've always been really into board sports. I also did gymnastics five days a week as a youngster, and I received many ribbons during my competitions (unfortunately medals are reserved for the olympians). I think the trend of exercise carried over into my personality because I love working out and go to the gym almost every day. Hiking is one of my absolute favorite things to do! I love being out in the wilderness and will happily complete a hike that most people would consider a lengthy car ride. Basically, I've always loved being active and doing pretty much anything wild and venturesome. I will never shy away from a perilous adventure and have always been one to "take the road less traveled."