I am a international traveler and frequently deploy on American Red Cross disaster relief operations, but if I am home, you are welcome to stay in my house. My single-family home is in Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms, South Carolina. One of my guest rooms has three single, extra-long beds and a full bathroom and the other bedroom has a king size bed and full bathroom. The resort has golf, tennis, and numerous beach activities. I have an 11-foot, sit-on-top kayak that is available to my guests. The pineapple on a fence post .***

After retiring from the corporate world, I started my humanitarian work around the world. For over fifteen years, I was a hospital administrator in several African counties, INGO country director, and nine years as the senior advisor to the Minister of Health, Liberia, West Africa.

Currently, I volunteer with the local American Red Cross and work in the USA on Disaster Relief and Recovery activities. In 2017, I was deployed for 13 months with the Red Cross Disaster Relief team to the US Virgin Islands after the devastating Irma and Maria hurricanes in September 2017. I usually spend three months yearly on personal international traveling.

*** The Pineapple is Symbol of Hospitality. The Legend: The sea captains of Carolinas traded among the Caribbean Islands, returning to the colonies bearing their heavy cargoes of spices, rum, and a selection of fruits, which sometimes included pineapples. According to the legend, the captain would drop anchor in the harbor and see to his cargo and crew. Once his work was done, he would head home, stopping outside his house to spear a pineapple on a fence post. This would let his friends know of his safe return from sea. The pineapple was an invitation for them to visit, share his food and drink, and listen to tales of his voyage.

CURRENT MISSION: never, never, never stop

ABOUT ME: Work very hard and Play even harder

I make things happen! Logistic Whiz, and background researcher.

Because so many people have helped and taught me, I am compelled to share my knowledge and experiences with others.

COVID-19 Vaccinations: Five Pfizer Shots and Booster Shots

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Long story. I enjoy hosting guests and sharing experiences.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Mostly a host but twice was a surfer in Russia

Interests

International travel, reading and relaxing on the beach and in the ocean. I enjoy hosting guests in my home and learning about their experiences.

• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• volunteering
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, Robert A Heinlein, Vince Flynn and Tom Clancy's books, Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall, Factfulness by Hans Rosling,

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was at Brandenburg Gate, when Berlin Wall as it opened in November 1989.
I was the hospital director on the world largest private hospital ship for two years, with 452 crew members.
Hosted more than 20 high school or college exchange students and many more foreign guests in my home.
Survived during the 2014-15 Ebola epidemic while doing healthcare work in Liberia, West Africa.

Teach, Learn, Share

Mentoring is the means to satisfaction

What I Can Share with Hosts

I enjoy traveling and meeting people and when at home, I host international visitors frequently. Exploring and discovering new places and developing friendships are the highlights of my travels.

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Benin, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Islands, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guam, Guinea, Haiti, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Liberia, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Scotland, Senegal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Vatican City State, Viet Nam, Virgin Islands, British, Virgin Islands, U.S., Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Benin, Liberia, Tanzania, Togo, United States, Viet Nam, Virgin Islands, U.S.