CURRENT MISSION

To wander/wonder without falling too far from the ground

ABOUT ME

Hi. I'm a relatively practiced traveler with very simple tastes. I developed a healthy fascination for all things Europe and left the States to live in Poland in 2006. I've since made trips through much of Central Europe, always following scents as they take me to market squares, seasides, wooden churches and passed over cemeteries. I'm fortunate enough to be able to teach English at an International School, a vocation I'm very much in harmony with. The calendar allows for many extended breaks, rest and recuperation. I'm always looking to make new connections and believe that travel remains on the surface until conversation is aroused. Such meetings often occur by accident, which I prefer. But I hope Couch Surfing increases their likelihood...

PHILOSOPHY

A couple of Hebrew Proverbs will do:

"The opposite is also true"

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but a desire fulfilled is the tree of life"

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

My primary talent is as a guest :) But I'm limited in my ability to host given my living situation.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

The whole experience feels quite natural to me. The people I have met seem to be friends from a time past, kindred spirits, like minds. I can't imagine traveling by any other means.

Interests

Writing, photography, Jewish history (nostalgia), books, poetry, Spanish guitar, Guinness stout, expresso, mountain hikes. German Shepherds.

• writing
• books
• poetry
• photography
• walking
• traveling
• guitar
• hiking
• surfing
• genealogy
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm not too particular with movies...I can go anywhere from Ingmar Bergman to Mamma Mia. Though I gravitate more towards the serious. I prefer a symphony at the philharmonic to club dancing, but welcome anyone who attempts to broaden my horizons. As for books, dead authors tend to carry more weight. But that's probably because I'm lazy and haven't taken the time to figure out who is worth reading today.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'm retracing my family's genealogy, not just in research but in living steps. The most amazing place for me thus far is Southeastern Poland, walking the many former shtetl streets and discovering synagogues and gravesites in various states of disrepair. Also I have to include Odessa, which is the furthest East I've reached and the last home place for my family line before assimilation in the States. It's a unique city, true to the mythology of Isaac Babel's stories.

Teach, Learn, Share

What I give best is my poetry. I have no limits on what would be interesting to receive. I'm an introvert. So extroverts often make my best teachers.

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