I'm a Texan at heart but I'm in love with Europe. I've got a bad case of wanderlust and I'm currently discovering the ins and outs of Europe in its heart, Brussels. I'm working with Carbon Market Watch protecting the environment with technical advice on the EU Emissions Trading System and other policy instruments for limiting climate change.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I like to know what paths brought me and someone else to the same place. Open people normally have similar values and if not can have a calm discussion offering differing views. It's a nice way to get new perspectives.

Interests

I like to improve myself through interactions with other people. I'll always be an athlete at heart. I used to play soccer competitively in the states and now dedicate my time to more individual activities like yoga and running. I love to exchange healthy recipes, natural remedies and general health tips with friends.

I'm quite spiritual but as everyone's experience is quite personal I tend not to talk about it unless I'm with people open to the discussion. I love current academic developments in consciousness studies and I jump at the occasion to have a good discussion about peoples' experiences to compare and contrast my own.

I've always worked for social and environmental causes (International Rescue Committee, Texas Campaign for the Environment, Carbon Market Watch) so I'm always up for talking about politics and the environment.

I'd like to add an important caveat to all of this: I don't preach on any of these subjects. I stay far away from the dogmatic hippy image that can often accompany my interests. I just want to see where everyone is at in life.

I say all this with the caveat that I am far from the dogmatic hippy persona that can frequently be associated with my interests. I'm interested in seeing how other people see the world and have learned a lot from people with whom I have nothing in common.

• causes
• environment
• dining
• recipes
• yoga
• running
• athlete
• politics
• sports
• soccer

Music, Movies, and Books

Currently reading : The Perennial Philosophy by Aldous Huxley

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Sports Diplomacy program for the US State Department. I traveled around France for a month playing with men's and women's soccer teams, along with community reinsertion programs, talking about the benefits of sports for self-confidence and future success.

It's less cheesy than it sounds I promise!

Teach, Learn, Share

Not sure what to add here that hasn't been mentioned above. Hopefully we'll learn something and share something during our encounter. The teaching should only be done if asked. No one wants a lecture ;)

What I Can Share with Hosts

Experiences from the Wild West. My sincere attention. Tex-mex recipies.

It all boils down to good conversation + a fun time + adding any social lubricants you deem necessary (food, alcohol, I'm open to keep the list going...)

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, France, United States