Hello! I'm an American from Omaha, Nebraska. I started traveling when I was 16, and ended up taking a high school exchange year in Kaunas Lithuania. It wasn't the easiest year, but definitely one of the best of my life, and I've been in love with traveling ever since. Now I'm taking my fourth year of university studies as an exchange student in Montpellier, France.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love meeting new interesting people from all over the world with whom I can share stories and experiences. Actually that is why I love with the idea of Couchsurfing. There is no better way to explore a place than to meet the people who live there. Sure, you can see a few sights as a tourist, but you can do that on Google maps, too. Meeting local people is the only way to really experience the atmosphere and culture of a place. And you can make lasting friendships that way!

Interests

I love adventure, especially traveling. I also love outdoor activities. Growing up I went camping a least once a month for more than ten years, so I love camping, hiking, climbing, kayaking, or anything like that.

History! I love history. That's another reason I love to travel (another other is the food!); traveling really allows you to interact with history in a way that just isn't possible with books (and that's coming from a guy who loves to read).

Also, on of the things I study is philosophy, so you know I'm always down for a good discussion. If you like a good (civil) debate on politics, religion, philosophy, or even on a good book or movie, I'm your guy!

And finally, as Benjamin Franklin once said: “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." Good beer, good company, and good conversation: sounds like a good time to me.

• culture
• books
• dining
• beer
• politics
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• kayaking
• camping
• rock climbing
• cartography
• history
• religion

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm a diehard Tolkien fan. I'm pretty sure I've read everything ever published in his name, most of it more than once. Other books I love are: "Democracy in America" by Alexis de Tocqueville, as well as works by C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton. I also love the classic distopian novels like "1984," "Brave New World," and "Animal Farm." As far as music goes, my first love is some good late 80s to 90s hip hop. Tupac, Tribe Called Quest, the Roots, Outkast, and the like. Later, I discovered and promptly came to love British/Irish folk music, as well as American blue grass.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In high school, I was assigned a book report on the novel "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison (great book, by the way), which is 300-some pages long, if I remember right. The night before, I was only halfway through the book, but rather than resort to internet summaries, I managed to both finish the book and write the report in one night. Got a 94 out of 100.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'd love to learn anything I can about a host's country/city/culture, and I'd love to teach about mine as well!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love good conversation, and I've gathered some good experiences and stories to share.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Lithuania, United States