My entire profile (15 years worth) except my references somehow got wiped out inexplicably recently, so I am starting this profile from scratch.

I joined CS in 2011 with the anticipation of quitting my job as a bench microbiologist and disappearing around the world to Southeast Asia to teach English. I prepared for 6 months, quit my job, sold everything I had, and jumped on a plane with a one-way ticket to Iceland. At some point in my travels, I met some Germans on a train in Africa, that ultimately led me to visit Munich, Germany. Here I liked it so much that I ditched plans to continue on to Asia, and a 2-day visit turned into 5 years (where I eventually became, once again, a microbiologist...go figure, haha!).

I have been back in the US since 2017, and currently living and working in the Wild West of northern Arizona!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I don't really like hotels. I prefer to meet and stay with locals if it works out as I am traveling, and enjoy hosting guests as they travel through my town (wherever I am living at the moment). It's a great way to exchange stories, meals, culture, hospitality, and kindness with total strangers who you would otherwise never have reason to meet. And in my opinion, it makes you a richer person. I have met some amazing people through CS throughout the years from all corners of the globe.

Interests

Lots of interests. I've been into photography for many years (currently have my work up in a gallery in Sedona, AZ), and recently started a new film series (based on a popular travel presentations club I started in Germany 12 years ago and still going strong! https://www.meetup.com/munich-explorers-club/ ) where people can share their crazy travel stories:

https://youtu.be/Uhe9WWDSmDY

https://usmaptales.com/

I also do a lot of writing and currently trying to finish up medical thriller. Other than that, love being outside hiking, kayaking, exploring, taking road trips, and simply sitting on the porch listening to the rain fall.

Music, Movies, and Books

Hmm...good old classic authors like Theodore Dreiser, Sinclair Lewis, John Steinbeck, Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Thomas Hardy, Jules Verne, etc. Also like fast-paced dime thrillers, history books, medical journals (yes, I'm a nerd haha). I have been collecting old and rare books for many years.

Movies: Forrest Gump!

Music: old school classic rock, 80s, 90s, old school country

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Took shelter inside a redwood tree in northern California during a heavy rain....totally surreal and humbling.

I have organized a lot of events that have brought people from all over the world together.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A good meal, lots of stories, and perhaps some advice on travel or advice on life.