Oregon native, travel often to W and E Africa for work. Always looking to meet up with couch surfers and gain a new perspective and get local insights.

PHILOSOPHY

"No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow." -- Lin Yutang

"In a funny way, nothing makes you feel more like a native of your own country than to live where nearly everyone is not." --Bill Bryson, I'm a Stranger Here Myself

"The soul is healed by being with children." --Fyodor Dostoevsky

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Throughout my years on CS, the most valuable thing I've learned is: put down your travel guide. Get to know a local, whether a native or a transplant. It's the only way to truly get to know a place and understand the people living there.

Interests

Traveling, cooking, wine, coffee, sports, hiking, exploring dirt roads by motorbike.

• cooking
• wine
• coffee
• traveling
• equestrian
• canoeing
• sports
• divinity
• teaching
• international relations
• military science
• tourism
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

MOVIES-Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, American History X, Moonlight Mile, The Tiger and the Snow, Riding in Cars With Boys, Love Actually, Last King of Scotland, Remember the Titans, The Holiday, P.S. I Love You, Eternal Sunshine....
MUSIC-I will never get tired of hearing of Pink Martini.
BOOKS - too many to count.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Grew up in the most beautiful place on earth. Was in rodeos as a child, and had a bright red cowboy hat.

Called Fiji home. Ate barracuda, shark, and something else we won't mention here. Learned to spearfish. Helped build a dugout canoe.

Called Afghanistan home. Rode a donkey in exchange for cinnamon toast crunch.

Called Paris home. Had a view of the Sacre Coeur from my window...and my shower.

Called Thailand home. Enjoyed a cup of coffee in the hills of northern Thailand made by the woman who also grew and roasted the beans.

Teach, Learn, Share

I make the best chicken noodle soup you will ever taste. I also grew up on a ranch and it just so happens that I can give you some helpful tips for roping, barrel racing, cowhide racing, or just plain horseback riding. Very useful for everyday life!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am a clean, respectful guest who is excited to share my experiences and listen to all the amazing stories you have. I am more than happy to cook a healthy meal or two and enjoy it with you over a bottle of wine.

Countries I’ve Visited

Afghanistan, Austria, Belgium, Cambodia, Czech Republic, Djibouti, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Liberia, Maldives, Mali, Mexico, Myanmar, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Qatar, Russian Federation, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Afghanistan, Fiji, France, Thailand, United States

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