I live near the Peace Park in Hiroshima and have a small room available. Our house is old and a bit cluttered, with a garden and two medium sized dogs (Jindos). You'll probably stay in my son's room, as he's off in college.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've lived and traveled around Asia for over two decades and enjoy comparing notes with other travelers.

Interests

Currently I'm doing some freelance community organizing projects, in which you are welcome to participate and your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

One Wednesday evenings from 5 - 7 at the local history museum (Rai Sanyo) we have a reading and study group for those interested in Japanese history.

• books
• exercise
• gardening
• history
• journalism
• japanese culture
• cooking and baking

Music, Movies, and Books

I like all types of music, depending on the setting and the occasion. Jazz music from the swing era is a particular favourite, as well as Blues. Artists like Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and Paul Cebar could be mentioned.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Organized a series of community recycling drop-off points and associated support groups that were instrumental in interrupting a plan to build garbage incinerators in each of the five boroughs of NYC.

Teach, Learn, Share

Lately, I have been thinking about English Language teaching, in Asia mostly. Prior to this I was pursuing a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies from the Univ. of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka.
Buddhist Studies
Community Organizing - I worked for a decade as a community organizer, and have a great deal of experience in organizing demonstrations, mostly around the issues of homeless rights and housing. I also worked for the Environmental Action Coalition organizing recycling centers, was a member of Community Board #1 in Brooklyn and worked on land use and tenant's rights.
My first degree was in Journalism and I've written many articles for newspapers and magazines. I also worked for several years in book publishing in New York City, as an editorial assistant and an assistant editor.
On the esoteric side, I studied Qi Gong while I lived in China, and stayed for nine months in Dharmshala, India studying with HH the DL and exercising my community organizing skills there.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A knowledge of the city and the local night life, such as it is in Hiroshima. A knowledge of Japanese history and Asian culture generally.

Countries I’ve Visited

Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, India, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka