CURRENT MISSION

Connection, Support, Success, Health

ABOUT ME

I have been based in Toronto for four years, I started grad school after working for years for ecological and community NGOs in Montreal and overseas. At some point I became very disillusioned with that world, though I am not really disentangled from it. I now do research in eastern Indonesia, and though it's kind of messed up in various ways, I also do love it. I move around quite a bit and am often looking for ways to feel grounded. I like reading postcolonial fiction, listening to jazz and soukouss, hanging out with friends, preparing vegetables with lots of garlic, meeting people, and watching Fringe.

PHILOSOPHY

It's a work in progress! Respecting difference and practicing empathy are key objectives, and I sometimes realize I need to challenge myself more.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I try to learn constantly, by talking to people and attending various types of events. I value the vibe, and try to practice empathy and patience even as my social upbringing is somewhat raucous and jovial.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Very little! Though I spend so much of my life on the road, moving around, staying here and there for a few days or weeks or months at a time.

Interests

Herbs, soccer, turbofolk, telecommunication, difference.

• fish
• dancing
• cooking
• reading
• billiards
• socializing
• jazz
• fishing
• soccer
• history
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Charles Mingus, Frantz Fanon, Spike Jonze, pop from the southwest Pacific, Persian classical music, Elizabeth Povinelli, Rana das Gupta, Inception, The Dead Texan.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I saw a man wearing nothing but a gourd prepare the stalk of banana tree for soaking in a salt spring in a mountain in Papua, then share the salty feast with us as it floated on a leaf in the pool of saltwater. So tasty and unexpected!

Teach, Learn, Share

Sharing knowledge and skills is a passion for me. I have good knowledge of a few languages, French and Indonesian in particular. I am an amateur herbalist also. I have some knowledge of the world political-economic system and the history of global imperialism. I am a good cook too, I can prepare fish, noodles, meat and vegetables. I used to be a green roof expert and have some experience with small-scale solar cooking and lighting projects. I would love to learn some Arabic and Yiddish, and new rhythms, and I should really learn some dance steps.

Countries I’ve Visited

Dominican Republic, France, India, Portugal, Singapore, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, India, Indonesia