CURRENT MISSION

Pre/Post-Wanderlust. Rebuilding travel fund

ABOUT ME

I Didn't travel much abroad except for surfing trips until I was in my 30's. I Lost a lung due to smoking at 32 and decided I had better broaden my worldly experiences. Thankfully, I have supportive co-workers who pick up the slack when the wanderlust kicks in, as I become consumed and useless at work anyways. I'd like to spend 4 to 6 months a year on the road. I'm amazed at how easy and inexpensive seeing the world can be with a little bit of planning and some flexibility. I purposly keep my budget sort of low when I travel as I find I have more authentic experiences.

PHILOSOPHY

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Since I usually travel alone for long months at a time, I realize what a big deal it can be just to have a little advice, a couch, or someone to meet up with. In my opinion, Traveling is the most educational thing a person can do, as well as the most vulnerable. I just want to extend the same courtesies that have been offered to me.

Interests

Travel, Surfing, Pool Skating, Eating, Coffee

• coffee
• exercise
• traveling
• billiards
• surfing
• business

Music, Movies, and Books

The Party, Brazil, City of God, Amelie, The Corporation, Crumb, Dr. Strangelove, Gummo. Last exit to brooklyn, Me Talk Pretty one Day, Confederacy of Dunces, The innocents Abroad, and other easy reads. still listening to Pavement and Sonic Youth, frequently.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

"El Superclassico" in Buenos Aires...Boca Juniors vs. River Plate. My first futbol game ever, and a tough one to beat. that's one.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cuba, France, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United States, Uruguay

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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