I'm new to Couchsurfing, although I attended several CS events when I lived in Rio. Maybe I'm old for a Couchsurfer, but I'm still young at heart. ;-) I like to think that I'm an interesting guy. Been to 25 countries. Left the US to live in Brazil. Really love seeing new places, meeting new people. There is absolutely no better education than travel.

I teach English, so if you want to practice yours, I'm your guy! I also write for International Living magazine and a couple of websites. Always looking for good stories!

I don't smoke, and these days don't go clubbing, but I do enjoy a beer or wine. Also I'm not a bad cook and would love to show my appreciation by cooking dinner.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Frankly, money's one issue. I earn mainly in Brazilian reals, and the exchange rate makes foreign travel really expensive.

Besides that, I can't think of a better way to learn a new city than by staying with a local. I received lots of guests when I lived in south Florida and in Paraty, Brazil, and always loved showing folks around. I'm hoping to find karma!

Interests

Photography and writing. SCUBA. Architecture. Good conversation over a coffee or a beer. Cooking. And just walking around observing...

• writing
• architecture
• photography
• education
• cooking
• wine
• beer
• coffee
• coach
• walking
• clubbing
• politics
• traveling
• scuba diving
• skydiving
• teaching
• religion

Music, Movies, and Books

Eclectic as far as music, but like the old stuff mostly, from 70s and 80s. In movies, I like the classics. Also like action/adventure, but will try just about any genre. I love to read. Favorite authors include Mark Twain, HH Munro, George MacDonald Fraser, and Jared Diamond.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Skydiving. I've done it 3 times, but the first was a super rush of adrenaline. Never experienced anything else as intense.

Teach, Learn, Share

Can definitely coach my host in English. And would love to learn some of the local language. I'm open to discussing almost anything (politics, religion, all that taboo stuff), and I'm, ahem, a lot more open and knowledgeable than the typical American. (This isn't just my opinion. I can't tell you how many times I'm been told I'm not a typical American.)

What I Can Share with Hosts

English, as I noted. Stories from many trips, including some really odd ones. (Like the time I asked a girl out in Thailand, but she didn't speak much English, so her brother came along to interpret, but it turns out that he was gay and interested in me... Weirdest date I've ever been on.)

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Bahamas, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Thailand, United States, United States Minor Outlying Islands, Uruguay, Venezuela

Countries I’ve Lived In

Brazil, Canada, United States