CURRENT MISSION

The 2020 trip was cancelled due to covid, so am putting together a 2022 trip in June going from Tampa where I am staying with my brother to Rome, on to Paris, then on to Sandanski Bulgaria to stay with an old buddy of mine I met in Cincinnati that lived in Copenhagen and now has a summer home in Bulgaria. I will then fly back to Rome for a bit, then fly back to Tampa.

Planning a trip starting in Rome, to Florence, Milan, Bern, Paris, London, ending in Edinburgh over June 2020

ABOUT ME

married for 35 yrs-divorced 2005-enjoy my kids and grand kids and many friends- retired Dec 2012

PHILOSOPHY

Lately I've lost a number of dear friends and my prayer list is currently getting longer-I'm just glad to be on this side of the grass and try to enjoy every minute with family, friends and new acquaintances-I retired after 23 years as volunteer at the Ronald McDonald house in order to make life a bit easier for families that have a sick child in Children's hospital.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING
Since it is difficult for me to host, I have not been able to do that yet. I have enjoyed staying with all the hosts I've had. It has become an extended family for me, and I have learned and shared so much about different cultures and ways of life, that I feel very blessed to have had these enriching experiences.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE
August 2013 Dublin, Ireland where I was hosted by a really neat songwriter/singer and his dog-couldn't have asked for a better experience. May-June 2014 Denmark Germany Czech Repub Sweden-great trip-great hosts. 2016 trip with my brother Norway Sweden Denmark Germany Netherlands Belgium Luxembourg Austria-great trip-great hosts. References give some details.

Interests

science, history, architecture-enjoy an eclectic blend of music-also play guitar with a couple guys weekly-travel in general and meeting people and experiencing the culture-I enjoy wine and good food and like to kick back with like minded folks-used to drink my share of beer, but my doc advised me to cut back considerably and have a glass or 2 of red wine instead, and that seems to be working fine. (I do plan on having a few beers on this trip)

• culture
• architecture
• dining
• wine
• beer
• walking
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• guitar
• engineering
• history
• science
• volunteering
• cats and dogs

Music, Movies, and Books

have been reading books that have been on the NY Times best seller list, both fiction and non-fiction-like travel movies and PBS documentaries-eclectic musical taste from bluegrass to opera-have not been able to get into rap very much

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Have seen 4 double rainbows-2 in Alaska and 2 in Kentucky
Saw the Alaskan rainbows while driving from Cincinnati to the Brooks Range (flew back from Anchorage to Cincy)

Teach, Learn, Share

Am basically a science guy-taught high school science for four years then sold microscopes and other scientific equipment-had to stop in 1995 due to back issues, then recruited engineers and clinical research associates until I retired in 2012. Am very interested in learning and experiencing different cultures and learning about host's work history.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Am willing to help with household and other needed chores-I really enjoy hanging out with hosts and seeing their city through their eyes, and am glad to help with groceries and taking my host out for food and drinks.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Cayman Islands, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Jamaica, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States