I am both an anthropologist and an activist. I am working on a PhD on alternative forms of democracy - meaning workers cooperatives, anarchist groups, squatting, protest, etc. My work is mostly in the Czech Republic where I lived for a number of years, but also in Sweden, the US, and Europe more generally. I am also an activist, and was a part of the Occupy Movement in NYC, hence studying alternative expressions of democracy.

As I don't want to pay to become "verified", if you want to get to know me a little more, here's my Rutgers profile page:
http://anthro.rutgers.edu/cultural-anthropology-cite-program-graduate-students/584-timothy-weldon

And the NY Times did a couple videographies of my involvement with Occupy:
http://www.nytimes.com/video/nyregion/100000001175738/a-career-occupation.html
http://www.nytimes.com/video/nyregion/100000001315830/growing-a-think-tank.html

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm couch surfing for two reasons, one, I (and many others) don't have much money, and, two, I believe in solidarity and cultural exchange that should not have to be commodified.

Interests

I love to exercise: run, hike, bike, play sports, etc. Though my PhD takes up most all of the time for that. I read A LOT of obscure theoretical and ethnographic crap! But I'm in anthropology because it allows me also to talk to people and learn from them. I read a lot of ancient Chinese philosophy, practice chi gung daily (chinese medicinal standing meditation/exercise), and traditional Chinese medicine.

• exercise
• running
• meditation
• cycling
• hiking
• surfing
• sports
• anthropology
• medicine

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Sierra Leone, United Kingdom, United States