Mostly I have lived in London though I moved for short times to Spain and to New York. Now I live in the leafy inner city, in Lewisham South East London, with my novelist partner, various of our children and grandchildren, an Australian lodger, and a small friendly dog.

My life has included most importantly literature, antiquarian clock restoration, industrial design, painting, choral singing and piano playing. I have also earned a living in business administration and in helping the long-term unemployed to find careers.

I enjoy an active retirement working for a local group that lobbies for a greener cityscape. My work is the building of relationships with volunteers, commercial and private sponsors, and municipal officers, all with the aim of planting trees in public streets.

Por qué estoy en Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing with my partner because as frequent travellers and hosts, we value the experience of others, finding it more interesting than so much of what is sold as culture or entertainment.

Intereses

• architecture
• baking
• politics
• classical music
• visual arts
• playing piano

Música, películas y libros

Just a sample, and not necessarily in the order given.....

MUSIC - Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Chopin, Bach.

MOVIES - Lars and the Real Girl, Never Let me Go, Raging Bull, Topsy Turvy, Sexy Beast, The Lives of Others, Eat Drink Man Woman

BOOKS - George Eliot (no relation), John Irving, Carson McCullers, WG Sebald, Alison Munro (and Philip Roth sometimes)

Algo increíble que he hecho

Forty years ago I designed and made a folding staircase that, when not in use, occupied a space 5 cms wide. Since then...

Enseña, aprende, comparte

My partner and I are both have teaching qualifications, though we have never worked in schools as teachers. At home or away from home, we want to share what we know and learn what we don't, about how people live and think and feel. At home or abroad, we think "top sites" on their own just don't cut it. That said, my partner and I have lived most of our lives in London. We are actively looking for ways of sharing the city and over 120 years of experiences.

Qué puedo ofrecer a los anfitriones

Baking, discussing and eating cakes. I have learned to do this in the last ten years. Cooking in general is a routine and a hobby. I do it when I can.

Left-leaning views on the English and global political situation (optional).

How to read music and play Gin Rummy.

Love and care of dogs. My partner and I both love dogs

Improvising round and round in circles on piano/keyboard. The sound is extremely pleasing, to me at any rate.

Diagnosis of problems in clocks and often simple repair.

I can write a mean CV/resumé to order.

Países que he visitado

Australia, China, France, Greece, India, Italy, South Africa, Spain, Turkey

Países en los que he vivido

Spain, United Kingdom, United States