CURRENT MISSION

To keep from peeing, even a little bit, when I laugh really hard.

ABOUT ME

Aging in body, young in spirit. A career as engineer, manager, diplomat, finance exec, and consultant. More importantly, father of two who share my passion for world-wandering and cultural immersion. One who hopes I can add to the lives of those I meet, but knows curmudgeons exist. I see problems (like missed trains and screwed up reservations) as journeys into unexpected territory, not inconveniences.

PHILOSOPHY

Gotta ruminate over this one a bit. Too much comes to mind to fill this space efficiently.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

For over 25 years I've made friends with travelers, both those in my neighborhood, and those whose neighborhoods I visit. I enjoy, nay, thrive on, sharing my country/state/town with others, particularly from overseas. Just finished being tour guide/cultural interpreter/friend to several Chinese and Moldavians who were here over the summer. Sure hope to move soon so I can offer a couch!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

No matter where I've traveled, it's the people I've met that make the experience special. OK, and the food. Whether it's Philip and Marie in Paris, Colin in Zimbabwe, Kebede and his kids in Ethiopia, Vadim in St. Petersburg, or Svetlana in Denver/Moscow/Istanbul, all are special friends now!

Interests

People, travel, cultures, economics, politics, sociology, history, literature, film, music, dance, food, and more. Really, too many to list!

• literature
• dancing
• dining
• politics
• traveling
• music
• economics
• engineering
• history
• languages
• sociology
• tourism
• cultural immersion

Music, Movies, and Books

Yes. I like them. Film in particular is a favorite.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Participating in the raising of my children. WOW! What a wonder these last 25+ years have been.

AND for a while I had the moniker of the "King of Zaire". Maybe I still do!

Teach, Learn, Share

Gotta think about this. I can provide a summary of development economics (and why most aid to needy countries fails). As well as what works. I can outline personal financial management. I can expound on other topics endlessly.

But I always am looking for a well-reasoned alternative perspective, from someone like me who is nevertheless willing to consider a change in view given new evidence.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A great personality, a caring heart. Good conversation. Cooking. Home repairs!

And an offer to visit me in Dallas.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bangladesh, Belgium, Botswana, Cambodia, Canada, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Laos, Mexico, Moldova, Nepal, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russian Federation, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Haiti, United States

•