Perhaps the most succinct summary of myself that I can offer is that I'm often perceived as collected and reserved; however, above all, I'm adventurous and driven by wanderlust. I'm infatuated with uncharted territories. I'm never more perceptive when I find myself traversing our magnificent world.

Born and bred in Chicago; originally from the Northwest side, but now living in Waukegan. I work for an educational component of the Chicago Botanic Garden– I'm the farm manager of a youth farm and manage a rooftop garden for a restaurant in Lake County. Every winter I take off for a few months to the travel internationally and, above all, meet remarkable individuals from every corner of the world.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

This is long overdue; however, many friends have told me great stories about couchsurfing. I'm quite fond of connecting and interacting with locals and foreigners. I take great pride in the fact that my closest friends are those I met abroad.

Interests

Traveling has been a passion of mine for quite some time; I intend to travel for as long as I am physically and financially able to. Of course, I do have a penchant for: gardening, food, photography, music, and the outdoors. I have two Australian shepherds– Shadow and Keoki. They are my boys, my pride and joy, and my loyal companions. I can go on and on about dogs anytime!

• dogs
• photography
• dining
• cooking
• coffee
• drinking
• gardening
• traveling
• survival
• music
• outdoor activities
• skydiving
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Music— It all depends what mood I am in-- I have an eclectic taste in music. Would love to expound on this topic in person.

Movies— I generally enjoy anything, with keen interest in foreign films— go figure! My absolute favorite is "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."

Books— Reading books is my haven, especially when coffee and a fireplace are involved, as well. I generally read fictions, memoirs, travel guides to countries I have no immediate plans to visit.

If you're interested, you may view my photographs on Instagram: explorethewilderness

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have several: I'm a proud farm manager of a small-scale youth farm in the Chicagoland area, I have gone skydiving by Lake Michigan; slept in a bedouin tent in the Sahara desert in Morocco; worked at a hostel in Spain; wwoofed in Italy; volunteered in a village in Panama; and took a three-week road trip in Ireland.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have an inclination to listen to people rather than to speak. However, I do enjoy sharing my travel stories with kindred spirits! I'm also an avid gardener, thus I would be delighted to impart some gardening knowledge and even help with some gardening work. I also speak fluent Spanish and rudimentary Italian, so I'd be happy to converse in those languages as well.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Everything from cooking, washing dishes, treating you to coffee, and sharing my engrossing travel stories!

For foreigners/travelers visiting Chicago, I'm able to grant free admission to any museum institution in the city. I'd be more than happy to meet up for a drink and then visit any museum of your choice.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, France, Ireland, Italy, Morocco, Northern Ireland, Panama, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States