of course the most amazing thing ive done is my children! I go to burningman every year and open a free seafood restaurant in the middle of the desert.(www.burningman.com) I have been around the world in both hemispheres. I have canoed in Paris london portland stockholm bali tahitti thailand maylasia new zealand australia denmark the list goes on...i really enjoy seeing traditonal tourist destinations from the unique view of the rivers and oceans that formed the ealiest settlements. Also from the back of a motor bike, the best way to really get the flavor of a country is to explore its backroads and villages.. now i can add spain and portugal to my countries i have canoed in thank you all you couch surfers that said yes to this ramblin' "old man" !

I would like to suggest you bring small gifts from your country to give to your hosts, tshirts are easy! I live in Utah so I brought small things from the 2002 Olympics to give away, these do not have to cost much, but, since they come from your country they will be unique and your hosts will enjoy them. I brought a separate duffel bag full of small gifts like this and left it in lockers, between hosts, so I did not have to drag it around. If T shirts seem too expensive, simply call around locally to silk screening businesses before you leave, tell them what you are doing and they will give you tshirts for free from their overstock or rejects. I had 100 % success getting freebies to give away this way. remember, small gifts, not a lot of money given with a smile and heart felt thanks will open more homes to CS!

traveling, canoing, sailing, hiking, meeting people attending Burningman every year!