ABOUT ME

American. Traveling consultant, and writer/illustrator of WinkeObserver.com. San Francisco-based and foolishly paying rent for it even though I'm there 10% of the time.

Previously was chef for 10 years, then Europe for 3 years, then US House of Representatives, US Senate, US State Department for 1 year in DC, then 3 years and currently with Capgemini

Silly, old soul, self-made. Independent backpacker; I travel the world not just to observe, but experience. Engaging people from other cultures when traveling feeds my soul. It's always been the most rewarding experiences of my life. I'm deeply curious, passionate about other cultures, art, nature, science, etc.. Weekends home have been good for sailing, camping, reading, biking, and the gym.

Newest hobby/skill: Rock climbing
Last item crossed off bucket list: Palestine
Next item on bucket list: Dive with whale sharks
People I'd like to meet most: Elon Musk, Anthony Bourdain, Wes Anderson, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Jon Stewart, Sir David Attenborough, Conan O'Brien

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Been trying to keep open when I'm home from travel. If in the Bay Area, try contacting me for a place. At very least, perhaps we could still rendez-vous, drink hot tea, and converse in your local language about your culture.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Novice! (Yes, even though I joined and supported Couchsurfing nearly a decade ago when I first started traveling the world, I'm still learning.)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Recently? My passport, cash, and cards were stolen while backpacking across Rajasthan. Oh, and also survived the category 5 hurricane that his Havana.

Teach, Learn, Share

"The more I learn, the less I seem to know." - Socrates

"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." - Oscar Wilde

"Here it is standing:
atoms with consciousness;
matter with curiosity.
Stands at the sea,
wonders at wondering: I,
a universe of atoms
an atom in the universe." - Feynman

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." - Picasso

"I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote. I love to sail forbidden seas..." - Melville

Countries I’ve Visited

Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Palestine, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Burkina Faso, France, United Kingdom, United States

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