On the road right now for my 3rd big trip, planning to travel about 7 months around southeast Asia!

Writing about myself is always difficult...I'm a dreamer, an observer, and sometimes I get a bit overwhelmed by the world. I'll go back and forth between thinking that there's hope for humanity and thinking that we're all screwed and probably going to blast ourselves out of existence.

I believe that by in large people are trying to do the best they can with what they have. Mistakes are made and sometimes things don't go well, but I do my best to have compassion for others since I know how much I appreciate when other people have shown me compassion in my own mistakes and blunders.

Because of some past health problems, I have to do food differently than most travelers. It is very helpful to have a space to cook and store food, to make it easier for me to plan. I still enjoy going out to eat on occasion or cooking meals together.

I identify as non-binary/genderqueer (he/him pronouns while traveling) and I'm happy to answer any questions you have for me. If you overstep a line or get too personal, it's okay, I'll let you know. Mistakes mean that you're learning.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have wanted to travel for as long as I can remember and a big part of my desire to travel is to meet new people. I am a writer and story teller and sharing conversation with people is a very meaningful part of my life. More than just seeing sites and places, I want to get to know the people, experience the culture, and build memories around time shared together. There are many forms of learning and while I chose to not addend a college or university, the education I have received traveling has been more meaningful to me than anything I could have obtained in a classroom.

Interests

• animals
• writing
• poetry
• yoga
• running
• reading
• drawing
• hiking
• swimming
• astronomy
• art
• nature
• trekking
• biking
• outdoors

Music, Movies, and Books

I love books and often listen to audiobooks since it is more convenient for my lifestyle. Some of my favorites include Catch 22, Okay for Now, Les Miserables, and the Count of Monte Cristo. I also enjoy the authors Barbara Kingsolver, Peter Heller, and Yan Martel.
I don't watch much TV, but some of the TV shows I enjoy are Sherlock Holmes, Doctor Who, and Psych.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One? Really there is too many....just waking up in the morning to meet a new day is already amazing.

Packed my bags and went to a country where I didn't speak the language.

Hiking in Chapada Diamantina, Brazil; Came to a beautiful waterfall after hiking up the river bed.

Experiencing the view from Lagoinha do Leste in Florianópolis.

Went snorkeling and touched a sea turtle in the Galapagos.

Flew over the Nazca lines in Perú and hiked to Machu Picchu.

Teach, Learn, Share

The only language I know fluently is English, but I understand Spanish fairly well, and I can have a basic conversation. I really want to improve my Spanish and perhaps learn a bit more Portuguese as well.

What I Can Share with Hosts

My stories, possibly help with English skills. I would also be happy to help around the house with cleaning tasks, taking care of animals, yard work. I enjoy being outside, working in gardens, helping with construction projects, or general maintenance.
I am an independent person and I value my freedom, so I would prefer to stay in places where I have a spare key or other means to come and go as I need. I understand that based on living situations, hosts may have specific needs. Let me know how you typically arrange this with sufers; I'm open to the discussion to find an arrangement that works for both of us.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, Uruguay

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States