Ken Richstad's Photo

Verified Profile

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Accepting Guests

  • 22% response rate
  • Last login 8 days ago

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Overview

  • 19 references 17 Confirmed & Positive
  • Fluent in English; learning Japanese, Vietnamese
  • 40, Male
  • Member since 2011
  • I own a gym in Raleigh, NC where I teach Krav Maga, a mar...
  • B.A. in Japanese Studies from Tufts University.
  • No hometown listed
  • Profile 100% complete

About Me

CURRENT MISSION

Mostly trying to travel a lot, like everyone probably! Running a gym through a pandemic has been a challenge as well, luckily we've made it through, but work definitely takes more of my time these days.

ABOUT ME

Like most people on this site, I'm relaxed and friendly. I like traveling (obviously) and seeing new places. One of my dreams is to go to the moon, but I'm not an astronaut, so I'll probably never make it.

PHILOSOPHY

I really don't have a personal philosophy, but for the sake of not leaving this space blank, my general attitude tends towards, "It will all work out."

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've been a couch surfer a couple times in Europe, and hosted a few people here in Raleigh. We don't get the same amount of tourists that the major cities do, but Raleigh is a great place and whether you're passing through, coming for a job interview, or staying in the city, I'm happy to help you out.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

It's been great so far! Every time I've stayed with someone, or hosted someone, they've been interesting and friendly. I also really enjoy just meeting people for coffee or a drink even if there's no staying overnight.

Interests

Right now my main interest in traveling to new places and learning new languages. I play piano - mainly classical music - and do some light woodworking.

  • books
  • dining
  • desserts
  • movies
  • video games
  • traveling
  • languages

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite book is easily Catch-22. With movies it's torn between Casablanca and Singing in the rain, although Die Hard is definitely in the mix. As for music I like Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Depeche Mode, and a little known folk singer by the name of Bill Staines. You should definitely check him out.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Dogsledding under the Northern Lights in Norway.

Teach, Learn, Share

Well, I can teach you how to throw a frisbee, or throw a punch. I'm also really good at making crazy desserts from food combinations that a lot of people aren't willing to try. Ice cream sundays with bacon for example.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I have a couch with a pull out bed and I can also sleep on the couch while two people take the bed, if you're traveling with a partner or something. I can take you to some good local spots for drinks and food, and if you want to take an awesome self-defense or fitness class, I might know a guy...

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, India, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, United States

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