CURRENT MISSION

Make a nice nest. Share it.

ABOUT ME

My parents, a writer and an artist, met in Poland. They were among the first Americans to travel behind the Iron Curtain into Eastern Europe. A few years later I was born in New York, thrown into the back of a VW camper bus and grew up traveling. I recently moved from Denver to Portland.

I followed my mother's path and built a career as an artist. Making art has been fun. I've been lucky. I'll always make things. But now I'm spending more time writing.

I want to compile stories after investigating the new way I imagine we are going to have to live; more connected, interdependent, local and closer to the earth. I don't think the suburban thing we have going is going to work much longer.

PHILOSOPHY

I enjoy serendipity, facilitating interesting experiences and seemingly random, yet important connections. I like little random acts of kindness.

I don't think that was a personal philosophy, but it's all true.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Couchsurfing.com is brillant. It reminds me a little of what hitch-hiking was many years ago. It has always been clear to me that we need more personal communication and connections, the world over. This is an incredible way to make that happen.

I have room for someone passing through Portland. The house is in a good, friendly neighborhood where you can walk to everything you need. Buses and trains can get you to downtown or to the airport. A respectful attitude to everyone here and the neighbors as well is a requirement. Participating around the house; helping with projects, cooking, cleaning up etc. are normal activities. You might be asked to help out.

If you want to bring something to the house. A bottle of wine is always nice.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

As a teenager I hitch-hiked all over the US and Europe. That led to a lot of couch surfing. It was a great way to really see a cross section of the population, and to get around. Couchsurfing.com seems like an excellent way to upgrade that random experience of traveling.

Interests

Art, alternative energy, architecture, yoga, meditation, language and what the future holds. New community ideas, co-housing, villages as opposed to suburbs. Suburbs were a great idea in the 50'-60's, but now it's either about the city or the farm. Urban gardens are a good blend for the moment. Portland's full of them.

The start is the rejuvenation of walking neighborhoods like the one I live in here. And a good transit system like Portland has.

• arts
• writing
• architecture
• education
• cooking
• wine
• yoga
• meditation
• walking
• traveling
• painting
• drawing
• hiking
• camping
• surfing
• teaching
• hitchhiking

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: Vanishing Point. Five Easy Pieces.
Music: Rock. Blues. Classical.
Favorite Si-Fi Book: Replay.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Crashed in a plane.

Teach, Learn, Share

Education was paramount in my family, as both my parents were teachers. I love to share whatever knowledge I have. I'm an artist by trade, so I know a little about how to make things look nice, or at least look interesting. Please check out my website: nikmills.com to take a look. I can weld, make molds, paint, draw and cook pretty well. I can fix most anything.

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Paraguay, Russian Federation, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Brazil, France, Spain, United States

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