CURRENT MISSION

To live like I'm gonna die someday cause I'm gonna. In the meantime I have a choice, savor life, or give in to old age. I choose to Live Young.

ABOUT ME

Name - Phil Rutherford; married; non-smoker; working in the Middle East and sharing time between the Middle East, the U.S., Venezuela, and other destinations.

PHILOSOPHY

Life is too short to waste regretting mistakes of the past. Instead, focus on the future, live the moment, and enjoy the journey.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Though my current living arrangement in Iraq does not permit me to host anyone at this time (due to security issues), I look forward to hosting overnight CS's once circumstances allow me to do so.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have enjoyed meeting CS's during my travels, and I always seek out CS's whenever possible for their camaraderie and local expertise about the area I am visiting. A cold beer, or chilled wine and a hot meal never tastes better than when shared with a fellow CouchSurfer.

To quote Lea Lane, "The difference between a tourist and a traveler is that a tourist seeks only comfort while a traveler seeks discovery. They take more risks. They get pleasure in overcoming difficulties and discomforts, and they seek out people."

Using the above definition I am definitely a traveler, and CouchSurfing has contributed to that experience.

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Interests

Photography; hiking; exploring other cultures, and daring to wander off the beaten path...

• photography
• wine
• beer
• hiking

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy almost all books and films, other than horror tales, and most music other than rap and acid rock which (to me) sounds like someone is trying to skin a live cat. Though in the presence of a friend I can and do enjoy even that.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've lived through several mortar and rocket attacks...watched babies being born...and have seen people die. It makes me appreciate what I have and not take my life, liberty, and happiness for granted.

And, not to be forgotten, in Israel I went skinny-dipping at midnight in the Sea of Galilee. (I was hot and sweaty so I asked myself, "What would Jesus do?")

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach others how to enjoy, appreciate, and make the most of the present. (It's all we have, as tomorrow is not guaranteed to any of us.)

Countries I’ve Visited

Afghanistan, Argentina, Belize, Canada, France, Germany, Guatemala, Iraq, Israel, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Venezuela

Countries I’ve Lived In

Afghanistan, Iraq, United States, Venezuela

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