ABOUT ME As a youth, I backpacked all over, often benefiting from the kindness of strangers. I would like to help others have the same experience. I don't get to travel as much as I used to. When I do, I try to meet people and hear their stories, especially the true ones. Married with four kids. I am not searching for myself, or plagued with existential ennui. PHILOSOPHY When is comes to travel, Jefferson was wrong and Twain was right. Or maybe Elvis Costello: "They say that travel broadens the mind, till you can't get your head out of doors." So relax. Usually you'll get more out of that cup of coffee or drink with a stranger than from soaring that hemp parasail over the rainforest.