I'm an American living and working in London. I've lived in London for over a year now, which seems absurd now that I've put it in writing. My studies brought me to London originally and, after my master's degree program ended, I was able to secure a job in the charity sector. Before that I was a student at the University of Delaware (home of the Fightin' Blue Hens, the world's greatest mascot) where I studied international relations and public health. I've lived and worked in a lot of different places and I'm undeniably hooked on experiencing different cultures. I have a soft spot for a good beer, I probably read too much, I need to go to more concerts, and I laugh loudly and often.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have had some amazing experiences couch surfing, though most of them have been informal and not through this website. I love opening my home and sharing my experiences with fellow travelers because it allows me to see my surroundings with fresh eyes. It also builds up great karma for when I am traveling and in need of a place to stay.

Interests

I'm a keen hiker and backpacker, an occasional scuba diver, a hopeless sailor, an awful (if earnest) singer, a reluctant runner, a retired water polo player, a practiced drinker, and an enthusiastic learner.

• writing
• concerts
• beer
• traveling
• hiking
• backpacking
• camping
• surfing
• scuba diving
• water polo
• international relations
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorites are too hard so I'm just going to lay out the last three of each that have entertained me.

Books:
Shake Hands with the Devil by Romeo Dallaire (memoir of the genocide in Rwanda by the commander of the UN peacekeepers; excellent, not for the fainthearted)

Sharpe's Eagle by Bernard Cornwell (novel about a British soldier fighting Napoleon; even when it's tragic, its exciting)

Black Mischief by Evelyn Waugh (satire about an African dictator; a product of its time, much of the humor is racist, and the abandoned book is currently my mousepad)

Movies: Air (very average), Cartel Land (terrific),

Music: Run the Jewels 2, The Man in Black by Johnny Cash, and the Best of the Black President by Fela Kuti

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

During my time in Nepal, I hiked the trail to the Annapurna Base Camp and back again in six days. I was there during the wrong season, the monsoon season, I didn't really have the proper gear, everybody (including most of the available guides) told us not to do it. But we did it. When we got to base camp, on our one sunny day, there were unrestricted views of six of the tallest mountains in the world. On the way back down we were grinning through our wet misery and we even saw a moon bear. I would do it again tomorrow.

Countries I’ve Visited

Czech Republic, France, Germany, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Tanzania

Countries I’ve Lived In

Nepal, Switzerland, United Kingdom