Hi, I'm Keaton!

Usually I'm a graduate student in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, though recently I decided to take a break from my thesis and have an adventure; currently I'm living in Ethiopia and working with a research team on innovative agriculture strategies for the rural poor.

I have this innate urge to be where I'm not. Traveling is my passion - I live for exploring new cities, trying new food, meeting new people, and experiencing new cultures! I love nature and plan to use my degree to leave the world better than the way I found it. When I'm not working in the lab, I enjoy reading a good book, attending a spoken word open mic or live music, and drinking a decent beer with friends.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've couchsurfed before in Germany, Israel (unofficially), Iceland, and Kenya - typically while I'm traveling alone or with only 1 other person. My couchsurfing experiences have been some of the best times I've had while traveling! It's always refreshing to get a local's perspective on their own city and have the opportunity to see things I would have never found on my own.

Interests

I'm interested in preserving the Earth through sustainable practices and encouraging others to do so as well (read: I'm a tree hugger). I really enjoy being creative and am always up for anything arts & crafts related, a neighborhood festival, or a trip to the park.

Meeting new people, visiting new places, and making new friendships.

• arts
• books
• festivals
• dining
• beer
• drinking
• crafts
• reading
• traveling
• music
• live music
• spoken word
• agriculture
• lakes

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I hiked up and camped overnight on the rim of Erta Ale, an active volcano in Ethiopia's Danakil Desert and one of the only permanent lava lakes in the world. Sitting meters from bubbling lava and watching it for hours, as if it was a campfire, was a surreal experience.

Teach, Learn, Share

Did you know that the scientific name for the inchworm is the Geometridae caterpillar? The name comes from the Greek words for "earth" and "measure", owing to the name Geometer Moth once they become adults. Since I've learned this I can't see an inchworm without imagining it counting as it measures the Earth, inch by inch.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Although I don't have a couch to offer others, hopefully when I visit I can repay my hosts with some good conversation, a new point of view, and a beer or two. : )

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, England, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, Romania, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ethiopia, Germany, United States

•