I am an ex draughtsman, ex pub landlord now trying my hand at teaching English. I've always loved the language but I am not snobby about it I recognise that other languages have unique rich heritages too. I have been married for twenty five years and I have two grown kids no longer my responsibility (so much) so I can pursue that love.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Looking for interesting places to stay with ordinary people who want to share their life experiences and homes so that I can taste the real world and not just the tourist spots. Travel yes, but with a purpose certainly never just an ego trip.

Interests

• festivals
• politics
• philosophy
• psychology
• sociology
• anarchism
• refugees
• existentialism
• teaching english
• cycle racing
• english literature
• swimming in the sea
• motorcyles

Music, Movies, and Books

Music - nothing really specific I'm open to anything influenced by a bit of folk punk is bound to attract my attention. Frightened rabbit will it.

Movies - Blade Runner (old or new) over Star Wars or Star Trek that's for sure. Horror isn't really my thing either nor American comedies but anything else i'll consider. All time classic favourites Casablanca , Rebecca and loads more. More recently La la land, the big short and 3 billboards outside ebbing Missouri . You don't have to agree but I am willing to debate.

Books- I have read widely but not much fiction these days. I used to admire Hemingway's style and Karl Ove Knausgaard was very clever but nobody has written anything better than Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice so whats the point. Please don't bring up Harry Potter unless you want to hear me laugh - only kidding if you like it read it that's my motto. My shelves are full of Camus with some Evelyn Waugh and Graham Greene to fill the gaps. I do read some contemporary stuff but mostly non-fiction so i won't bore you. Just finished 'The bamboo stalk' from Saud Alsanousi and I am finishing Leone Ross's short story collection 'Come let us sing anyway'.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

There is nothing amazing about me. I've enjoyed awards and suffered some cruel and unjust punishments, I've talked with kings and paupers as friends, I've bungee jumped and parachuted And I've seen people born and people die - but so have millions of people. The most amazing thing you can connect with another human being.
And that can happen at anytime anywhere and with anyone.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am learning(always) to be a teacher of English to speakers of other languages (though I personally hate the term teacher - but persuade me otherwise) so would love to help anyone wanting to better their English or anyone who wants to help me to learn how to do it better.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share my sense of humour, life experiences and interest in their lives and homes. I have some practical skills from DIY to finances and minor computer skills. If you like motorbikes or swimming in the sea I'm an enthusiastic, if not particularly accomplished, friend for sure.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Monaco, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, United States, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, United Kingdom