CURRENT MISSION

To Never Be Stuck in a Rut

ABOUT ME

I am originally from Seattle, but I spent three years in Sydney going to high school. I absolutely loved Australia and the Australian ideal of going walk about. Now, I'm a student studying International Economics. I've traveled a lot with my friends and family but am quickly realizing that there is a difference between being a tourist and a traveler. Traveling solo is wonderful in some ways, but nothing can compare with a great conversation over drinks in a place you'd never have found on your own.

I love the idea of going to places that you wouldn't normally see in the guide books. As someone told me, a city isn't defined by the buildings and architecture (though those are nice), it is about the people you meet. CS is a brilliant way to ensure that you experience and dont' just see.

PHILOSOPHY

"All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing..."

And on a happier note, "For every minute you are angry, you lose 60 seconds of happiness."

and another recent addition, taught to me by a CS'er

"There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; imitation is suicide..."

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Cultural exchange is the best way to dispel stereotypes and see the world from a new perspective. Americans often have misconceptions of the world, and the world often has misconceptions of America. I think CS is a great way to address this issue and do a little bit to encourage understanding. I've surfed and met with amazing people around the world and am eager to reciprocate and show people that there is much more to America than Hollywood would have you believe.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

After some initial hesitation, I've thrown myself 100% into the CS way of life. I've met with CS'ers in every city of my around the world trip (8 so far).

Met up with some CS'ers in Prague for dinner/drinks and some trashy euro-disco'ing.

Met up with CS'er in Budapest for drinks in a crazy bar with decapitated Barbie dolls.

Met and surfed with CS'ers in Alexandria, Egypt. First "true" CS experience and loved every minute.

Surfed in Bangalore and discovered that Indians play sports other than cricket. Also, was taught how to eat with my hands and not make a fool of myself.

Have yet to host, but not for lack of interest. I guess that is what happens when you live in a small town only an hour from Philadelphia and New York.

Interests

Soccer. I hope to attend the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Skiing. One of my favorite activities. Colorado and BC particularly.

Travel (that should be implied by being on this site)

Politics (I love that no matter what country I'm in and what the local language is, I tell people I'm American and they go "OBAMA!"... it makes me proud)

Economics (I like studying the real-world... it means your conclusions are that much more likely to change someone's life for the better)

Electronica (because I went to school in Australia and am addicted to trashy europop).

• fish
• books
• architecture
• education
• drinking
• politics
• traveling
• fishing
• scuba diving
• skiing
• sports
• cricket
• soccer
• world cup
• economics
• teaching
• tourism

Music, Movies, and Books

So many... just finished reading "The White Tiger" which was excellent, particularly since I was in India at the time. I also enjoy Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Orson Scott Card books (though not the freaky religious ones), and others.

Refer to facebook for a more detailed list... and proof that I do in fact exist.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Scuba Diving on the Great Barrier Reef when I was in high school. Nothing I've ever seen compares to turning over on your back, looking up to the water surface and it being obscured by so many brightly colored fish.

Sunrise over Budapest from the Citadel and then fresh baked pastries at the local market.