CURRENT MISSION - Found cycling buddy for a leisurely 80 km Transylvania trip from Deva, RO. Plan a 3 night stay in Sicilia - Sant’Agata di Militello 6-9 Jan for hiking/cycling in Parco Nebrodi.

Traveling Europe by train during my time off (mostly several weeks each: early Jan, mid-Aug) Happy to meet up / find travel buds.

Moved to Leuven, after 43 years in Chicago (where I hosted over 1K surfers)!

Did 240 mi US cycle ride w/ Evgeny from Ryazan, RU prior to Covid.

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 (Russia, Bulgaria and Slovakia)

PHILOSOPHY

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

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Mostly meetups. Will host some in Leuven, BE. NOT using CS as a dating site (thank you)!

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

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, organ, 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

Belgium, United States

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