Couchsurfing seems to be an interesting way to get in touch with the local culture and way of culture.. It's a unique alternative to just staying in a hostel or dorm and allows for a direct experience with a person/people that know the area and nuances of living there. Hopefully I can find some hosts on my upcoming journey.

My interests change and evolve. Books on ancient religions, civilization, psychology, philosophy, etc. Readings on Asian/Middle Eastern cultures are also interesting. Plenty of fiction as well.. Dostoevsky, Alfred North Whitehead, Erich Fromm, Terence McKenna, Marx, Debord, Alan Watts, Carl Jung, Nietzsche, Sartre, William James, Kierkegaard, Rilke, Swami Vivekanada, Bertrand Russell, Thoreau, Abbey, Emerson, ect... My music tastes are all over the place. Always looking for new recommendations and inspiration.