Part-time nomad based in southwest New Mexico. I overland south to the Old Mexico for the winter and north to PNW for the summer. I'm easygoing and get along with most people. I value authentic and respectful communication, curiosity, originality, community, and fun! I work remotely and haunt coffeeshops and libraries. My favorite form of both tourism and sport is locomotion. In addition to hobbies listed below, I will jump on any gondola, funicular, streetcar, bike ride, motorcycle, boat, horse, or walking tour that presents itself. All of which can be enjoyed with good company or a good playlist. I love concerts, dance parties, and festivals, but house parties are the best. I like to take drop-in fitness or dance classes and take intro music lessons. I also hit up comedy, natural history museums, botanical gardens, interactive exhibits, and good views. I grew up on the water and relish maritime adventure. I'm mostly nerd-adjacent, but can go full nerd and join your campaign. I like all animals but I love cats.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

The CS ideal is to encounter interesting and diverse people and cultures, make new friends, form globe-spanning communities, and get to know a place by the people who live there. Often this ideal is met. Sometimes one only needs -- or can only offer -- a place for a weary traveler to rest. That's ok too. There are enough great people in the world we should be able to stay in each other's homes wherever we go.

If you live along my migration route, it is possible that I am in your area for the first time and just passing through, or that I have passed through before and decided to further explore and meet people. I car camp in wilderness and beaches but I also crave civilization. My rig is a fully autonomous living space but presents challenges when staying in town because my cooking and living area is outdoors. So I actually need parking and bathroom access more than I need a place to sleep. I also attend meetups and am very open to connecting on CS to hang out, but I usually max out my patience with the app looking for a place to stay. Feel free to extend a rec or novel invitation even if you can't host.

In the past, circumstances have prevented me from hosting -- but I intend to change that soon. I'd like to stay put for a while and let the world come to me!

Interests

• writing
• dancing
• reading
• music
• snorkeling
• sailing
• public policy
• science
• language
• biking
• jogging
• comedy
• burlesque
• rollerskating
• scubadiving
• paddleboarding

Music, Movies, and Books

This task proved too overwhelming, you'll have to ask in person.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I spent four months in the Ecuadorian teaching English to native guides who spotted wildlife and explained traditional uses of plants to eco-tourists. Two of my students were unfairly punished by the GM who was also the tribal leader for an incident in which I was also involved. The punishment was two month's work without pay, which they would endure if they wanted to keep their jobs. During this time the youngest -- who had only been dragged into shenanigans by the older instigator in the first place -- would have his first child. After unsuccessfully pleading their case, I decided to pay their wages myself. We were two hours by canoe from the nearest bank, and our work schedule was three weeks on, one week off. I accompanied the young father into town on our break to buy him a mattress and pay his wife's hospital bill for the delivery, but could not withdraw enough cash in a day or two to pay both men's their wages. However, tourists were able to tip their guides at the lodge by paying with a card at the bar. Usually they gave $20 to $100. Using this system, I "tipped" my students $2,000 over two months. Little did we know, the GM looked at bar receipts. He called a special meeting of the tribal council to institute a cap on volunteers tipping at the bar. No further punishment was meted out. There are many rallies I do not attend and petitions I do not sign, but at least I know that I'll put it on the line for justice miscarried against me and mine.

Teach, Learn, Share

Mostly just company, I'm not much of a specialist. I play guitar at like a campfire jam level, and welcome opportunities to learn and practice. I make great playlists but I want to hear yours. I'm a good cook. I like games and travel with cards and chess. I also travel with a paddleboard, mask and snorkel, rollerskates, mountain bike, and climbing shoes. I often have a book to pass along and am looking for a new one. I'm happy to converse in Spanish, not sure I could "teach" anyone. I did teach someone the two-step recently. I'd love to learn juggling.

What I Can Share with Hosts

See above. Also my car has a hitch and a decent assortment of tools including a drill and many bits.

Re: countries lived, I've defined it by having an address there for a month or more.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Ecuador, England, India, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ecuador, England, India, Mexico, United States