Hey there. I am a professor of international relations, former diplomat, and a dedicated father of two grown women. Martial arts were always part of my life, I love to cook and am a certified massage therapist. I have worked in UN diplomacy where I participated in climate change negotiations for 20 years, representing the European Union. I continue to learn about cultural diffferences and sense the common humanity we share. Let's meet.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

During my years of working at UN negotiations, I travelled extensively and visited dozens of countries on all continents except Australia (don't take it personally, mates, there are rarely UN conferences in Australia). This became a habit ... ok, maybe a slight addiction to travelling. You know that airport feeling when you are walking with a boarding pass in your hand, heading to another world.

Interests

• cooking
• martial arts
• massage
• cultural differences
• wilderness skills
• cooking and eating
• cooking with friends
• cooking together

Music, Movies, and Books

Diverse musical tastes: from classical to Sade, Michael Franks and Billie Eilish, to AC/DC and Nickelback. Any movie (except horror).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I helped negotiate the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach self-defence, massage and cooking.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Countless stories from UN diplomacy and travel stories.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Cuba, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Bulgaria, Canada, France, United States