Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love the entire premise behind couchsurfing.
I also have a bit of a distaste for the typical touristy hotels and resorts and whatnot. I'm much more interested in immersing myself in the area I'm visiting as much as possible, and what better way than to stay with locals.
I just think couchsurfing is one of the greatest ways to meet fantastic people while abroad, and to learn about what's worth seeing in the area from somebody who lives there.
Also, travel can of course be quite expensive. This is a great way to make it more affordable both for myself while travelling, and for others travelling in my area.

Interests

I love a great many things.
I love the outdoors in general, so camping, canoeing, hiking, etc.
I love fitness and a variety of athletic pursuits. Lately I mostly just go to the weight room, the wall climbing gym, the yoga studio, or run the trails in the river valley near my home.
I love people, history, and the various cultures of the world.
I'm a bit of a nerd, and I love board games, video games, a good sci-fi movie or tv show. Really though, I enjoy tv, movies, and theatre in general; I'm always up for experiencing some quality entertainment.
I love to read, whether it's fiction or non-fiction, and i try not to limit myself to specific genres or subjects, you never know what you'll miss out on.
I love travel of course as well, and meeting people (why else would I be on here).

My interests are very diverse. There are very few subjects I don't enjoy discussing, and if I'm not very knowledgeable I always enjoy learning from someone more informed than myself.

• cooking
• fitness
• yoga
• running
• gardening
• movies
• video games
• board games
• tv
• traveling
• socializing
• piano
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• canoeing
• camping
• rock climbing
• biology
• history
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: It really varies. Lately, I listen to a lot of EDM genres, and folk music. Celtic music seems to be a persistent favorite of mine. Really I'll listen to almost anything though. I don't much care for country or heavy metal though.

I'm awful at remembering bands and performers, so I can't easily list favorite artists. A few that come to mind that I enjoy though are: Rural Alberta Advantage, Nero, Skrillex, Billy Talent, Linkin Park, Lindsey Stirling...there are certainly many others, but their names currently elude me.

Movies...Far too many to list them all, but here are some just to name a few: Lord of the Rings, Braveheart, Rocky 2-4, Star Wars, Aeon Flux, Life as a House, I am Sam.

Books, just as with everything else, I love many, but I tend to read fantasy when I'm reading fiction. Some favorites that come to mind though: 1984, Childhood's End, Lord of the Rings, My Sister's Keeper, Night, the Deathgate Cycle...most of my reading lately is textbooks, so I'm drawing a blank beyond that at the moment.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I volunteered in Kenya for 2 months and had a fantastic time.
The highlight was almost certainly teaching high school biology and jr high level science class at schools in some of the largest slums in Africa.
I also helped build a school in rural Kenya.
The experience as a whole was fantastic.

What I Can Share with Hosts

It's hard for me to say specifically. I suppose some good conversation and positive energy.
I'm no chef, but I can cook a bit and I'm always open to helping in the kitchen.
I have a strong back, so if my host needs a hand moving some boxes, furniture, or a piano, I can move things like a champ.
I'd happily help in the garden too. Picking weeds, planting veggies, turning soil, whatever .

Countries I’ve Visited

Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Canada, United States