I am 56 years old, historical researcher and writer of both creative and academic works.

In the past I've written novels, fairytales, and a piece for the stage. In younger days I used to travel quite a bit, study and work abroad.

I spent most time in Greece, France, Belgium and Holland, Italy, USA, India & Nepal, along with a trip to Brazil following many S.American friends in London. Though, I'm more sedentary these days, my travels in the past few years have been to Berlin & Israel for family reasons.

Among earlier works, a road book based on work in Eye Camps in Nepal.

In the mid-late '90s, an adaptation of a little known but fascinating leaf of human history: a controversial healing of a deaf boy in Napoleonic Paris. Though it has yet to be staged, the piece was of great interest to my favorite theatre director, Ropert Lepage.

Over the past 15 years I've focused on a variety of works (creative & academic) based on the Biblical text of Genesis, and the Shoah (Holocaust).

Though I do not practise religion, I have continuously studied this important part of human evolution.

My own family history in the 20th Century has also dictated my study of the Holocaust. In the last 7 years I began two concurrent books: re: Primo Levi's Accounts of Auschwitz, and a subsidiary monograph on British POWs in Auschwitz. I'm currently preparing the latter for publication, following interest of a literary agent.

I balance my mental activities with physical ones. I exercise daily at home in a studio space, and go for walks in nearby parks of Primrose Hill / Regents Park, and Hampstead Heath. I also swim regularly and belong to a Tai-Chi club (Wu style).

I also used to be a proficient chess player, and still enjoy the odd game..

I have always enjoyed the theatre, and blues concerts in small & intimate locations.

Over the years I increasingly began to enjoy classical music. I'm in awe of those
who play instruments of any kind.

I enjoy cooking, specialising in hummus and a few other mediterranean dishes.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Strange as it might seem, I am a host on AirBnB, which suggests I should be able to afford paid accommodation in Zurich. However, I inherited the family home following my mother's death, and with it comes a substantial tax that I'm obliged to pay over 10 years. It all means that I have very little income at present, and so a friend suggested couchsurfing as an alternative.

Interests

Aside my professional interests of historical research for writing, as mentioned in 'About me'.

• writing
• books
• concerts
• cooking
• exercise
• clubbing
• chess
• traveling
• music
• classical music
• blues
• swimming
• history
• religion
• parks

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: From Bach to Blues.

Movies: I don't go much to the movies, but like a range of films too numerous to mention by name.

Books: So many again, whether for research or pleasure.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Who knows? What's amazing to one... and so on. It comes out in conversation.

Teach, Learn, Share

We discover these things as we get to know each other.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Again it's a matter of discovery!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Nepal, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, England, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, United States