CURRENT MISSION

To gain the best possible understanding of the Czech Republic during a brief 9-day trip through the country.

ABOUT ME

Right now I'm nearing the end of my stay in the Czech Republic. I have been working as an English teacher since March and am returning to the United States on July 1. Before I go, I want an authentic taste of Czech culture and its people other than what I've seen in beautiful, cosmopolitan Prague. I want to see Bohemia and Moravia beyond the tourist books.

PHILOSOPHY

I don't feel comfortable tagging a specific personal philosophy at the moment. People are too broad, too complicated of an animal to peg as having specific interests and desires. Everyone wants different things. On some levels, everyone wants to be, and ultimately is, an island, and yet everyone also needs a tribe, even if they deny wanting it.

I live my life because I have no other choice. I'm open to all experiences, but am leary of those who try to manipulate that desire for profit. I do what is feasible within my means and feel comfortable trying what I think I will enjoy and what could contribute to my learning. I have many, many thoughts and feelings, but I can't fully articulate them now. Wait for the book to find out :-)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Right now I am in need of shelter in different cities throughout the Czech Republic before I return to the United States in July. I'm not sure about my immediate future, but once I am settled with where I am living, I plan on opening my couch to surfers of all kinds. I anticipate living in Pennsylvania again.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

This is my first foray into Couchsurfing. I hope it isn't my last, but I'm not sure when in the future I will be doing this next.

Interests

People, women, beer, books of all shapes and sizes, American history, 20th century history, jazz, classic rock music, introspective rock music, dogs, chess, off-beat cinema, baseball, basketball. Many other things, but those come to mind at the moment.

• animals
• dogs
• culture
• books
• beer
• marathon
• running
• movies
• chess
• music
• jazz
• rock music
• baseball
• basketball
• teaching
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

Movie directors - Paul Thomas Anderson, Martin Scorcese, Wim Wenders, Joel and Ethan Coen, Quentin Tarintino, etc.
Books - American historical non-fiction. Writers that come to mind are Walter Isaacson, David McCullough and Jon Mecheam. I haven't been reading fiction as much lately, but I've enjoyed Kerouac, Ginsberg, Palanuik, Hemingway, and others.
Music - some artists I've listened to over the past 2 months: Radiohead, Pearl Jam, Johnny Cash, Mono, This Will Destroy You, Sigur Ros, The Album Leaf, Bruce Springsteen, Miles Davis, Beck, Moby.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I haven't experienced particularly spectacular things. I have run a marathon and plan to run more.

Teach, Learn, Share

I contribute a unique perspective as a white, middle-class, mid-20s American male outside the U.S. for the first extended period of time and with talents of patience and listening. I probably have an average skills set but I live for conversation and will find something you're interested in and work with that for our time together.

Countries I’ve Visited

France, Iceland, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Czech Republic, United States

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