CURRENT MISSION

To see more of this thing called humanity and the world it inhabits

ABOUT ME

I seek to live a life worthy of the amazing world we inhabit. I think that's very hard to do in modern society, but I think traveling and seeing new places and cultures is critical to gaining wisdom and insight into what truly matters. I believe in the importance of human connection, and I'm happy to meet open-minded people who are willing to meet the challenges of the world by finding what makes life worth living for them--even if their passions or opinions are wildly different from my own. I strive to always be accepting and honest. I try my best not to be complacent, hypocritical, or judgmental, but since I'm only human I make mistakes, and I'm not afraid to admit them and use them to grow. The only way to truly learn is to make mistakes. I hope to learn and grow on my travels, to own less and do more, and to partake in real visceral human experiences.

PHILOSOPHY

Socially conscious, politically disenchanted. I think real change will only come through personal interactions, so I strive to treat all people with honesty, integrity, and respect. I consider myself a spiritual person but don't ascribe to any dogma. I hope to live a balanced life and pursue my own bliss (as long as it doesn't negatively impact others).

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Right now I'm just a surfer, but I'd like to host when I come back to America.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Tried it once and I love it!

Interests

Writing (a fantasy novel--planning on a series--set in a medieval European analogue but told from the perspective of people outside the dominant power structures), history (largely western-centric right now but always trying to learn more about other parts of the world), listening to music (varied tastes, see below), making noise (musically), martial arts (I've been studying krav maga but want to take up judo!), tattoos (I have some but I want MORE), beards (I have one but I want MORE), playing with my dog, the fair and ethical treatment of all (feminist ally, antiracist, antifascist, etc).

• dogs
• arts
• writing
• books
• poetry
• folklore
• tattoos
• traveling
• music
• rock music
• martial arts
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies/TV: Sci-fi & Fantasy (both serious and cheesy), War Movies (of the war-is-hell variety), Oddball Comedies, Absurd Satires, Straight-faced Dramas, Surrealist Films, History Documentaries, & Childhood Cartoons.

Books: Folklore & Mythology/Religious Texts, Dystopian Future Novels, Fantasy Novels, Romantic/Gothic Novels

Music: Rock in all its forms (early Rock 'n' Roll, Psychedelic, Metal, Garage, Punk, Hardcore, etc), Blues, Reggae (especially 1st Wave Ska), Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Noise, and some sporadic Pop (Madonna and Beyonce come to mind).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'm not sure if anything I've done is amazing in anyone's book but my own but here goes:

Started a hardcore band with close friends, played shows around Boston, released a posthumous record I'm very proud of. You can listen to it/download it here if you want: hedgefund.bandcamp.com

Traveled to Israel and hiked Masada at dawn--a truly life changing experience for me.

Traveled to Benin with my now-fiancee for a month. Another crucial perspective altering experience.

Teach, Learn, Share

Share:
History of rock music in America (and elsewhere to some extent.
Personal Self-Defense
Classical & Medieval History
Folklore & Mythology

Learn:
Spanish
Existentialism
Romanticism
Poetry
High Art
Film
Non-Western-centric History

Countries I’ve Visited

Benin, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Israel, Netherlands, Saint Martin (French part), Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, United States