Instagram: classicNOMAD and classicnomads

I've been away from CS for a few years --and now I need it more than ever. Having spent the last five years trapped in corporate purgatory and saddled with all the baggage involved, I feel more disconnected from humanity, I miss people and the kinds of personal kindness only afforded through sharing life authentically.

New mission for 2024:

Embrace life by rediscovering the simple joys... also attempting to accept and nourish my ever-evolving inner self. Viva la Vida!

* I have CS to thank for many of the life lessons which have shaped my perspective. I survived two years of incredibly intense non-stop vagabonding [90+ nations in less than two years: 2015-2017]. Volunteering as a nomad photographer for a non-profit organization and working on an educational project, we documented the lives of children ALL over the world. Our goal was to interview and photograph how different (and similar) families are around the planet. It was exhausting and often overwhelming--but so rewarding. The budget was smaller than shoestring...the sacrifices were great.

After returning "home" I got caught up in the predictable wheels of society and I miss the authentic individuality I felt as a traveler. I am striving to replenish some of my internal strength and make some human connections.

...Now, a little more about me:

I believe we are the artists of our own reality and the designers of our destiny...although I also recognize that life includes surprises beyond our control (mine has certainly been proof of that). Muy tranquilo, I try to take life as it comes. I consider myself blessed to survive on my VERY limited budget AND still pursue my various interests (mostly travel, people and photography). When I'm working, I work hard ...when I'm not, I'm traveling. I haven't seen it all --but I'd like to!

I'm quite simple --yet oddly complex. Grounded with wings. I invested most of my past summers on my old family "country estate" (humor me... it was primitive little organic farm). I was trying to create a perfect oasis. The berry vineyards paid most of my bills --the ornamental gardens & artistic efforts helped to fulfill my dreams and aspirations.

As life would have it, unfortunate economic events turned my world around and I'm now without the farm and the international cafe (that's the 'bad news'). GOOD NEWS is that it frees me up to explore more of this incredible planet we call home! For now, I'm out collecting international friends and images to share with those who can't wander. It's been INCREDIBLE!

A native to Seattle and the Pacific NW, I've seen all 50 United States--so my traveling "bucket list" is EVERYWHERE else. I consider myself an authentic culture-seeking traveler (not a sight-seeing tourist). I prefer the local perspective to any commercial tours. Open minded, I LIVE for new cultural experiences-- please show me the local goods: foods, customs, hidden places, music and more. I am often happiest when I can look around and find that I'm the ONLY one who isn't local (solo gringo :). I am not a wild party guy and I don't smoke or buy alcohol-- but I'm VERY tolerant and I don't mind if you do. I'm as easy-going as they come... "no worries".

I am still just learning about photography --another excuse to see the world (and a great way to share it). I'm always looking for new things to capture in an image... many of my pix are posted in my Facebook albums (should you care to look me up)... or you can investigate my new photo website (which has been neglected --I still have over 250,000 images to go through from my last adventures around the world.

www.classicNOMAD.com

PHILOSOPHY

Be. Believe. Smile. Shine.
Life is short-- breathe it in!
Live & Give ...Viva la Vida!
Simply living to live simple.
...off to see the world, there's such a LOT of world to see...

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Host. Guest. Cultural sponge. Advocate (I can't keep my mouth shut about CS although it seems to have drifted from being a Community into more of a Commodity --which saddens me greatly). It is still a tool. I'm creating lasting friendships and enjoying genuine hospitality while I travel and I return the love by hosting when possible at home. Nothing but positive experiences on SIX continents (although I do have some bizarre stories to tell as well ;).

.....I wouldn't travel any other way!.....
(even if I had all the money in the world)

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have couchsurfed on SIX continents-- and I LOVE making & maintaining connections with as many interesting people as possible (I consider CS my 'menu' for discovering global friendships which I plan to nurture into the future). Since 2007, I've had the honor of hosting dozens of remarkable guests --and been hosted by even MORE impressive hosts...continuing that journey at this very moment on my around the world adventure... bring it on!

Interests

Travel. Photography. Gardening. People. Music. Culture. Sailing. The great outdoors (Hiking, Rock Climbing, kayaking, skinny dipping, etc.) Artsy stuff. Food. Movies. Learning. Exploring new places!

Music, Movies, and Books

Self proclaimed 'Media junkie'...Music is a MUST. Nearly everyone claims to enjoy "all music" but, as a DJ, I have a collection to verify it. Everything from classical to unclassifiable... heavy on the old school Jazz (Sinatra, Satchmo, Ella, Miles, Coltrane, etc.). Essentially I go for the mainstream tendencies of any genre (particularly Pop music from any era: Beatles, Madge, U2, PSB, Smiths, and contemporary stuff as well ...too many to mention). I also have a tendency to fall in love with whatever new music I'm introduced to...just a warning.

Movies & Books are another passion. I collect "the classics" (cinema & literary) without reservation-- if only I would take the time to read them. I prefer many movies that were created before I was. My media libraries are far from complete, but they are pretty comprehensive. All I'm saying is that I'm easy to please in the media department, chances are we've something in common.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've managed to keep the child inside alive. (no, I'm not pregnant-- I simply refuse to grow up completely ;).

One more thing: I was blessed to follow up the unquestionably WORST year of my life (2009) with one of my absolute BEST. In 2009 I nearly lost it all (well, everything the world thinks is important ;). In January (the week after personal & business bankruptcy), I set out on my first around-the-world adventure with empty pockets and an open mind ...to see if Karma & good will could keep me alive. I was blown away by the unforgettable kindness of a global community that took me in, shared their lives and cared for me in ways I never expected. I am forever changed.

It brings tears to my eyes to remember the remarkable people who have helped to restore my faith in humanity. I've seen international strangers reach out to each other and become family (like we're supposed to be). I now have 'family' across the entire planet--and I LOVE it!

Teach, Learn, Share

I believe diversity is essential. I've learned the most from those most unlike me. I'm convinced we eventually discover what we seek (good or bad) but I choose to be optimistic. I'm on this planet to learn. Unless you're a clone of me (lucky for the world this isn't possible) there's much you can teach me. Maybe I have something to offer you as well. My primary interests and expertise would include the items listed in my "interests" above. I travel to LEARN anything anyone wants to share... I'm a listener. I also enjoy sharing the photos I take with my hosts. Show me some incredible places near you and I am happy to offer you the images as a thank you :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

Photos! As a photographer, I love to see the places which YOU find beautiful...and if you take me somewhere then I like to share those images with you. I also enjoy teaching a little bit of English :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Lithuania, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Korea, Northern Ireland, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin (French part), San Marino, Scotland, Singapore, Sint Maarten (Dutch part), Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City State, Viet Nam, Virgin Islands, British, Virgin Islands, U.S., Zambia, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

Chile, Indonesia, New Zealand, United States

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