CURRENT MISSION

I teach and advise undergraduate students at a liberal arts college so my goal is to be a source of inspiration and encouragement as well as a positive role model/mentor

ABOUT ME

I consider myself to be an intelligent and well-traveled guy (30-odd countries and counting) with a passion for learning and trying new things. Although I am originally from Vermont and like to return to the Green Mountains whenever I have an opportunity, New York is my blood and I now call Brooklyn home.

I enjoy exploring the city, the arts, yoga, foreign films, dining out, politics, intellectual debate, travel, tennis, bowling and watching most sports. While I am passionate about my work and intent on building a career in my field, family and home life will always take priority for me.

I am interested in meeting people for coffee, drinks, long walks in the city or exploring any of the above topics. Always happy to show folks around the Big Apple or make recommendations on things to do, places to eat, and how to get around on public transport. Since I live in a shared house with non-surfers, I can't always host but will certainly accommodate if possible.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I am new to Couch Surfing and looking forward to meeting some interesting people and becoming a part of what appears to be an amazing community. I travel frequently for business and pleasure, but I am also happy to host folks in New York City when possible. Also available to give travel advice and recommendations on New York City sites, activities, eateries and more.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Having traveled extensively throughout three continents, lived abroad for 5 years, and served in the Peace Corps, I have had the opportunity to experience warm hospitality a number of times. With host parents in three different countries, I'm never at a loss for holiday invitations. However, I would like to repay some of the generosity I have received during my travels and I look forward to meeting and hosting others from throughout the world.

Interests

For the last few years I have been consumed by work as I have tried to make a career in academia. While I still enjoy teaching, mentoring and intellectual debate, I have concluded that my interest in building strong interpersonal relationships outweighs any desire for fleeting academic accolades. I am currently adjusting to a mode of life that is not driven by publishing demands and trying to rediscover myself and the things that interest and move me. Some of these are noted above but I also enjoy theater, museums, dance, days a the beach, sunsets and sunrises, and learning new things however mundane they may be.

• arts
• writing
• theater
• dancing
• lgbt rights
• dining
• coffee
• yoga
• modeling
• drinking
• politics
• movies
• traveling
• socializing
• hiking
• surfing
• sports
• tennis
• track and field
• bowling
• business
• political science
• science
• beaches
• mountains

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hiking up the volcanic mountains in Virunga National Park in Northwest Rwanda to track ethereal mountain gorillas. The setting was out of "Gorillas in the Mist" and only outdone by the bout of food poisoning that I was struggling to deal with. After finally locating the gorillas, I was so glad that I did not give in to the temptation to quit. They really are the closest relative to man and to see them in their natural habitat was an experience of a lifetime.

A similar moment that left me awestruck for different reasons happened in an airplane circling the Vilnius airport in Lithuania. I had always been curious to learn more about my family background especially that side of my family as they were not present in my life growing up. As the plane prepared for landing and we flew over the capital, something inside me felt as if it was going home. I can still see the forest of trees on the ground as they appeared outside the window and that feeling still warms me today.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have taught English as a Second Language in several places around the globe. My graduate training is in Philosophy and Political Science and I am always up for a conversation about Sub-Saharan African Politics or LGBT rights in Africa. In terms of more skill-based knowledge, I am a good editor and would be happy to help folks edit their academic writing, professional letters, or resumes/CVs.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belize, Burundi, Canada, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mexico, Mozambique, Namibia, Poland, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Tanzania, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

Moldova, Netherlands, United States