Those who know me best would describe me as cheerful, friendly, fun to be around, and easy to get along with. When traveling, rather than complain about minor inconveniences, I choose to embrace them as part of the experience. Having spent much of my life overseas, I am very open-minded and enjoy experiencing new sights, music, dance, foods, beverages, cultures...

PHILOSOPHY

It is important to remain open-minded and respect others' beliefs; in fact, it makes for a much more peaceful and fulfilling journey on this earth.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Up until now, I have participated as a surfer since my living arrangements have not been conducive to hosting. That should change this spring! My new home should be ready to move into and I will be delighted to host at that time.

Since high school graduation, it had been my dream to ride a motorcycle across the United States meeting interesting people along the way. When this came up in conversation with a new acquaintance, they introduced me to the concept of couchsurfing and directed me to this site. I am forever grateful!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

On a trek to Texas and back in the winter of 2013, I experienced multiple overnights with folks, some formally through this site and several by being invited into homes of new acquaintances who had never heard of couchsurfing before I described it in conversation. I had trailered my motorcycle down to Texas and did a small loop by motorcycle within that vast state, couch-surfing in a couple places.

In the winter of 2016, I escaped part of the winter and spent a couple of months in Florida with several very generous and gracious hosts.

The following spring I once again went to Florida and had a delightful time with a host who helped me experience many adventures, to include mermaid-watching, a pirate ship voyage, live music on Sunset Beach, introduction to paddleboarding...

In sum, I have had a very positive experience in every single case with every single host: so incredibly welcoming and generous!

Interests

Aside from having two children and five marvelous grandchildren who make me smile and laugh,I have interests too numerous to list. I especially enjoy having engaging conversation with folks who are positive and have many different interests of their own to share. Add some kind of flame -- bonfire, campfire, fireplace, candle -- and I'm in heaven!

I am inclined to especially enjoy natural wonders and outdoor activities. Motorcycling scenic country roads, horseback riding, hiking are favorite outdoor activities, along with just about anything on, around, or under the water.

I appreciate museums, historical sites, art, but I usually will not want to spend an entire day in buildings. I'm not much of a TV watcher and would prefer to read. I would rather participate in sports than be a spectator. I have an adventurous palate and am willing to try just about any cuisine. I enjoy card games, board games, "silly" games... I love to dance, whether my own impromptu freestyle, partner dancing, line dancing...

• arts
• dancing
• walking
• board games
• tv
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• equestrian
• sports
• communications
• nursing
• historic sites

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: drama; romantic comedy; sci-fi; action thrillers (NOT horror/blood and guts); relationship (not necessarily romantic),
Music: just about everything but heavy metal
Books: personal development, historical novels, mysteries.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

For me, overcoming my fear of heights by rappelling out of a helicopter. That opened the door to so much more: slide for life, parachuting, ziplining, barnstorming, supertall waterfall slides...

Teach, Learn, Share

I enjoy meeting all kinds of people, really, as long as they are not overbearing with their opinions or bigoted. I believe everyone has a story that I can learn something from.

I like to hear about different occupations: a "day in the life of a (nurse, carpenter, crab fisherman, internet marketer...). I'm interested in learning about people: what they think, how they think, and what's important to them.

As far as what I can teach, I can help someone with their English, particularly a Spanish native (I'm pretty fluent in Spanish).

If someone has a special challenge, sometimes I'm able to offer them some ideas that they find useful.

What I Can Share with Hosts

It is my intention, through interaction and observation, to learn enough about my hosts' desires/needs that I can offer something that will enhance their lives.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico

Countries I’ve Lived In

Brazil, Colombia, Germany, United States