CURRENT MISSION

Planning to move to Belgium by end of June. But still happy to show folks around Chicago in the meantime.

Fully immunized with the Pfizer vaccine, happy to meetup - especially for a bike ride in the city or beyond (have spare bike). Also have museum pass (can bring guest - MSI, Art Inst, Planetarium, Aquarium, Bot. Garden)

Did 240 mi cycle ride w/ Evgeny from Ryazan (see personal references for how it went!)
Managed to get to Europe several times in these pandemic years!

ABOUT ME

Been to nearly every European country (mostly by rail).
Love to explore, meet new people.
Train/public transport wiz. Hiking in the woods a fav.

Had a number of excellent adventures with my good friend Tom (Citoyen du Monde), fellow surfer from Chicago. Also with several other former surfers in Europe (esp. Russia).

PHILOSOPHY

treat others w/ respect (and usually they'll return the favor!)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Mostly hosting, occasional meetup. If you're going to request, please don't bother if you'll only be here while you're sleeping! Will host some in Leuven, BE, once I'm settled.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

have stayed w/ people from many European countries, and hosted folks from all over the world - always interesting and a great way to make new friends
Officially CS'd now both here and in Europe (mostly France).

Interests

outdoors (hiking, cycling, skiing, swimming), checking out cities and nat'l parks, traveling (esp by rail),
relaxing a bit, helping others, trains, music

• dining
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• skiing
• swimming
• languages
• parks

Music, Movies, and Books

playing piano, Glockenspiel, accordion; the Bible, Lonely Planet guides

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'm full of stories, etc., esp travel related, just have to get me going... Hosted over 1,000 surfers!

Teach, Learn, Share

Speak a number of foreign languages, happy to share about European rail travel (you'll see my name in the credits of Frommers Europe by Rail). Been to every country on European mainland except Kosovo, also Canada, Mexico, Israel, Australia and New Zealand.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Extensive knowledge of local, USA and European cities inc rail/public transit, piano music

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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