I am a kind, easy-going, Vegan former professor of English, who has now become a location independent writer and entrepreneur. By vocation, I am a poet, and have published a modest amount of work and participated in a handful of public readings and poetry festivals. Currently, I am working on a manuscript of original poetry, as well as writing a series of essays about my travels and experiences abroad.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am on Couchsurfing, I think, for the same reasons that I am traveling: to have new experiences. These experiences are driven by the my desire to answer a classic Greek-inspired question:

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LIVE A GOOD LIFE?

In America, the "good life" usually means "The American Dream" (college, job, marriage, kids, home with picket fence, and so forth). I lived a version of that life, and I felt a strong desire to explore other places in the world, to see how they might live the "good life" and how it is different from America.

Couchsurfing, and staying with locals, I believe, would provide a more authentic experience about what a "good life" means in a particular country or city. Also, homes are warmer that hotels.

Interests

WRITING
VEGANISM
MINIMALISM
VIPASSANA
PHILOSOPHY
LYRIC POETRY
READING

• writing
• books
• poetry
• sketching
• festivals
• cooking
• vegan
• reading
• traveling
• minimalism
• business
• teaching
• entrepreneurship

Music, Movies, and Books

There are so many books to mention, so I'll just write down the ones I am currently reading:

"Rework" by Jason Fried and David Hansson
"The Virgin Way" by Richard Branson

Last two movies:
The Lego Movie
Termintor: Genysis

New music I love:
Alina Baraz

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I walked through the temples of Angkor Wat, in Cambodia, completely barefoot, with my best friend. When we reached the top of Bayon temple (the one with the giant, smiling face-towers), she starting sketching the faces in a sketchbook, and I wrote some poetry in a notebook nearby. Soon after, the other tourists stopped paying attention to the temple, and started taking pictures of us. It was crazy. ALL the tourists (mostly Chinese and Korean) started gathering around us, and stood in line to have their picture taken with us.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am an expert in teaching academic writing, and have some expertise in writing studies, poetry, and critical theory. I know how to cook, and have some basic knowledge in ecommerce entrepreneurship. I love to chat about philosophy, business, and about writing and travel.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am currently working on e-commerce entrepreneurial projects, and have been living as a "digital nomad" for awhile. I'd love to share my experiences and insights living this lifestyle, the interesting people I have met doing the same thing, and what my current plan is to create some profitable startups.

I can share my knowledge about books, language, and poetry, and my generous spirit.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, Canada, England, Estonia, Finland, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Thailand, United States