Heya, Couchsurfers.

My name is Alasdair (or Al for ease) and originally from South East England. I live in a quirky little place close to the Ness castle and river. Sometimes, you may even hear the bagpipes playing from there.

You'll find me inquisitive and a passionate about discovery/learning; I like a good 'happening' as much as a book and a cup of tea or glass of wine. In my past I have lived out of a backpack, lived in a car, a boat, a tent, hostels and more so I am sure we can find something to talk about and share. I was the wanderer in the wilderness who is now trying to make a home.

Serious bit for guests :( I know, but I get a LOT of requests
* I will try to be a good host and show/recommend some sights if I am available, but I cannot promise it due to work commitments.
** Lazy requests, incomplete/unverified profiles are depressing; I hate to decline requests automatically, but I need to filter out insincere CS members. It's my protection against abuse/freeloaders :/
*** I can only host one person at a time; my place is quite compact.
**** Due to the volume of requests, priority will be given to guests who write 'Tintin' somewhere in their request.

Por que estou no Couchsurfing?

To bring the world to my doorstep.

I have received much insight, advice, knowledge and good times from CS users in the past and now I am able to host the same wonderful CS users and keep the spirit alive.

Interesses

Tea, music, theater, books, exploration, films, non-fiction, world culture, food and drink, languages, folklore, politics, world history... if we talk, we may talk all night.

• books
• folklore
• festivals
• dining
• wine
• walking
• movies
• traveling
• music
• camping
• history
• volunteering
• world politics
• tea
• outdoors

Músicas, Filmes e Livros

Big music fan. I like to write and perform in my spare time. My taste is quite eclectic, ranging from the electronic, classical, folk, experimental, film soundtrack, jazz and world (and more). Because I live in the Highlands I have immersed myself in Celtic traditional music. I can tell you where the music and good craic can be found.

For books, I always enjoy expedition/exploration literature (In the Land of White Death, South, ect.) My guilty pleasure? I have a place in my heart from my childhood days for Herge's Tintin.

I did consider myself to be a bit of a film buff, but these days it is hard for me to keep up with new releases :( We can still talk about the old movies, though.

Uma Coisa Incrível que Eu Fiz

- Glastonbury Festival 2005. The mother of all festies.
- Lived and deck-handed on a travelling boat.
- Travelling around Newfoundland, Canada.
- Nude plunge in the arctic fjord of world's northernmost city - Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
- 5000+ mile road-trip sleeping in the back of a ford fiesta around Western Europe.
- Volunteering on self-sustainable farm projects around Europe.
- West Highland Way hike. Arctic hike to the abandoned settlement of Grumantbyen.

Ensine, Aprenda, Compartilhe

I don't ask anything from my guests, but a little cultural exchange is what keeps CS community healthy. Some suggestions:

- I have no talent for cooking. I live off ready meals and soup :( - maybe someone can show me some simple, tasty dishes?
- I very much love to learn about world music, so maybe show me some songs or tunes from your country?
- Perhaps you might be able to a (small) national item from your country to add into my collection?
- Tell me about your homeland or your travels?

O Que Posso Compartilhar com Anfitriões

I can provide a place to sleep, with showering and cooking facilities. Tea and coffee (English style with scones, jam and cream if I have it.) English/Conversation and music. Tips for Inverness. CS advice for new members.

Países que Visitei

Andorra, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, United Kingdom, United States

Países em que Morei

United Kingdom

•