CURRENT MISSION

Attending Erasmus University Rotterdam

ABOUT ME

Laid back, respectful, clear communicator, geeky (be it computers, cameras, wines, whatever), always exploring...

PHILOSOPHY

Fairly laid back, loosely based on the buddhist notions of metta (lovingkindness), karuna (compassion), mudita (sympathetic joy), and upekkha (equanimity). I'm committed to people having fulfilling connection, intimacy, and self-expression in their lives, however that looks. I'm a sex-positive, touch-positive, heart-centered advocate and participate in several communities that honor those intentions. One of the things I try to remind myself often is that it isn't all about me and that life doesn't have to look a certain way.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Love to visit new places, and meet people who have been to places I haven't! Here's the places I've been to so far:
visited 11 states (4.88%)Create your own visited map of The World

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I actually was part of a "couchsurfing" group back in the 90s. We called them "EctoHostels" because we were all on a music mailing list called Ecto, and the door was open for any of the other list members who might be traveling. I hosted many people that way, and enjoyed the generosity of several homes as well. So this group feels very comfortable and familiar to me.

Interests

When I'm not being a literal geek, I actually spend a lot of time thinking about relationships and human dynamics like love, intimacy, compassion. I participate in many communities that focus on those issues. Also very passionate about photography.
When traveling I love to visit wineries and tasting rooms, brewpubs, and exploring new grocery stores (I have this weird fascination with how food selection varies from place to place), and much prefer to see more of the "locals" things than the "tourist" things.

• culture
• photography
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• beer
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• skiing
• paragliding

Music, Movies, and Books

Love artsy, indie, and foreign films. Music tastes are more diverse and include electronica, alternative, classical, ambient, retro 80s, and more. Most of my reading these days is about relationships or psychology, but I will indulge in a fantasy or sci-fi novel now and then.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

My first Burning Man experience in 2006 - it's a wholly different way of living and interacting with people and the world at large could learn a lot from it. I've now been 4 times and every one of them was an amazing eye-opening journey.

Paragliding on the Oregon Coast is also a breathtaking experience.. Would love to do that again someday.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm a "Maven" in Tipping Point parlance, meaning I constantly study and do a deep dive into the things that interest me. And that list includes bikes, skiing, skating, photography, wine, beer, tea, cooking, sushi, relationships, communication, polyamory, intimacy, sexuality, culture, language, and probably much more that I am forgetting at the moment. I'm happy to share what I know in those topics and learn anything I might not already know.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Anything from a cup of coffee to an adventure together! Happy to make sure that my hosts feel like they gain something in this exchange as well. If I have my camera with me, we can even do a mini photoshoot... :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, England, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Peru, Spain, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Colombia, Netherlands, Panama, United States