CURRENT MISSION

Look

ABOUT ME

I work for an Iraqi environmental conservation organization called Nature Iraq (www.natureiraq.org) and have lived and worked in Kurdistan, northern Iraq. I just returned to the U.S. in 2014. My work at Nature Iraq is focused on water resource protection and conservation of Iraq's most biologically diverse ecosystems.

PHILOSOPHY

Used to be a computer programmer in Boston but chucked it all (and the nice paycheck) to become an environmentalist out in the Pacific Northwest ... a short stint with labor unions working on worker health and safety; thought I'd become a sailor for awhile on tall ships (they are a blast, actually) but the Port Townsend Marine Science Center offered me a more stable job ... Bush came along and I went to Iraq with a peace group (Voices in the Wilderness) ... left the U.S. when he was elected for a second term (what's wrong with you people?!) and I'm currently working on environmental issues in Iraq. Philosophy? I guess I'm a peacenik, environmental activist type.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Not sure what this means but I'm basically looking to have a low-key and mellow experience when I'm either surfing myself or hosting others. I don't necessarily need people to entertain me (and may be too busy to entertain), but would appreciate folks who can help me out with information I need (and am willing to provide the same for others)

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Usually couch surf with friends and family when I go back to the States. I have no permanent home there. The best is when you can have a little private, quiet space to yourself to rest and relax.

Interests

Water pursuits, hiking, yoga, language study

• environment
• yoga
• hiking
• surfing
• marine science
• science
• software

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've rafted on the Upper Lesser Zab River through a stunning gorge, rowed down the Tigris River, hiked to the top of Peramagroon Mt (2600+ m) and seen some of Iraq's most beautiful natural areas.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can share my knowledge about the environment in general and in Iraq specifically. Great places to go in the region to enjoy nature and what is needed to protect these areas.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahrain, Canada, Costa Rica, Egypt, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, Palestine, Spain, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Iraq, Jordan