I am sort of studying those languages but i am not good at conversing in any of them because i have a hard time thinking in another language quickly enough. i'm more interested in them as written languages and seeing the relationships between words and historical development.
I am a pacifist interested in the uses of art and music in emotional and spiritual practice and healing. I am a poet, having a deep love of words like my father, and I have come to be a more accomplished artist than I ever expected to be.
I am increasingly made ill by much of the chemical "advances" in the food and personal care industries and prefer most things natural.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

looking to travel cheap, meet interesting people, help people who can't afford to travel any other way. I am doing research for articles/book on social/economic conditions in different areas and how we might be able to deal with the social disruptions caused by homelessness (an increasing problem due to speculation in real estate). I slept outdoors for awhile to get to understand homelessness better and because my rental in SF got to be too much for me to deal with (the bargain rent was at the cost of dealing with disgusting mess and other problems; couldn't find another place i could afford, so went to hostels and camping). Eventually I left the Bay Area to find an affordable home in Washington State and concentrate on writing and painting. I practiced law years ago & found the intellectual exercise interesting but the bully posturing was too unpleasant, so I quit and have had a materially-reduced, spiritually-enriched life since.

Interests

art, writing, music.. comparative religions, liguistics and etymology, history, anthropology, wine, gourmet/organic/craft food, bicycling... probably more if you ask...

• arts
• culture
• humanities
• writing
• books
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• exercise
• gardening
• traveling
• painting
• music
• outdoor activities
• camping
• anthropology
• business
• teaching
• etymology
• history
• languages
• law
• psychology
• religion
• sociology

Music, Movies, and Books

ancient sacred music, classical, opera (puccini more than verdi, G&S, also musicals of the 20's-50's), 60's rock and roll, peter gabriel/ talking heads/ laurie anderson.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

taught myself to paint on the ipad

Teach, Learn, Share

i can teach you alot about english: usage, colloquialism, business and legal english, etymology, grammar, confusing stuff (I have a Cambridge Certificate as a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language). I also know lots of other stuff in the humanities generally (lit, drama, music, art, history, philosophy) and psychology/sociology/culture with some biological overlap. I am a good and diverse cook, often do "fusion" food combining elements of different cuisines. i know a bit about wines and if you know something am eager to learn more.
Am def. interested in learning about other languages, cultures, arts, food.

What I Can Share with Hosts

can share meals if you want or cook for you. if you have a garden and need some work done in it i'll give it a try. if you want to know about ipad art apps i'll share what i know about them. can leave you paintings/drawings if interested. I don't have lots of money to share, however.

Countries I’ve Visited

Mexico