CURRENT MISSION

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." -Hebrews 13:2.

ABOUT ME

New York transplant in Portland. Lived in L.A. for a few months, but quickly realized I'm made for grayer skies. I'm a freelance writer and have been published by several old and new media publications.

PHILOSOPHY

I love steak. And bacon. They make life better. As do dogs. Can't imagine human existence without dogs.

On a more serious note, I should mention that I am a Christian, and take my relationship with God very seriously, but that doesn't mean I'll preach at you--I'm not out to convert anyone. I'm also gay.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I spent a year couchsurfing across the USA back in 2011-2012. Met some wonderful people, and had nothing but positive experiences.

I can't host right now, but when I do, I prefer to host members whose identity has been checked and who have references. That said, I realize we all were new here at some point, so feel free to reach out even if you don't have references yet--just please be sure to put some thought into your request, and show me A) That you get that this isn't just about getting a free place to stay and tour guide in NYC, and B) That you actually read my profile.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

As Christian and a fan of Ancient Greek literature, I fell in love with the idea of couchsurfing as soon as I heard about it. Hospitality is a Christian value. The Bible verse I quote in my mission could not be more clear as to what God expects from us in our dealings with travelers and strangers.

Couchsurfing also reminds me of the Ancient Greek concept of xenia, which means something like "guest-friendship." Xenia, in short, meant showing hospitality and generosity to those who found themselves far away from home.

I've couchsurfed more times than I can count, and have been able to host several times, too. Every experience has been positive.

Interests

Books, Christianity, Philosophy, History, Local Culture

• dogs
• culture
• writing
• books
• literature
• traveling
• christian
• communications
• freelancing
• history
• tourism

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm a fan of the ancient Greeks. I also read a lot of English and American literature, and dabble in theology from time to time. If forced to name a few of my favorite authors I'd have to go with Aristotle, Aristophanes, Aeschylus, Evelyn Waugh, John Updike, James Baldwin, John Locke, Frederic Bastiat, and Thomas Mann.

Movies I've watched and rewatched many times over include Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Neverending Story, A Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon, IT, The Shining, and From Here To Eternity.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I spent 13 months, from July 2011 till August 2012 traveling across the US (mostly on foot), gathering material for a book I'm writing about what it means to be an American--I am a naturalized American Citizen, and my walk was partly in celebration of that.

You can read more about me at http://www.cddny.com.

Teach, Learn, Share

I learned a lot about the US by spending 13 months traveling across it. I will be glad to share my stories with you.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, South Africa, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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