CURRENT MISSION

Learning and exploring this amazing world of opportunity; pushing myself and not being put off by negativity and prejudice

ABOUT ME

I am generally optimistic and enjoy nothing more than to go to new countries and meet different people. I like to get beyond the tourist circuit, going into different houses, backstreet cafes and pubs, attending parties and just chatting with people to find out how they view the world and life. And I absolutely love trying out new food and drink, and looking 'through the keyhole' visiting different people's houses.

I am now living in the UK again after spending eight years in the Middle East (5 years in Saudi Arabia and 3 years in Kurdistan, Iraq) where I was working at different universities. When I was in the UK previously, I used to work for two different Members of Parliament and have done a variety of jobs across the years.

I have now been back in the UK for a few years and live in a village on the edge of Leeds and Bradford. I have a particular interest in Latin America and the Middle East but am happy to hear from anyone and everyone.

PHILOSOPHY

I have strong political and social values, which are part of who I am. I am politically Socialist and internationalist. I despise racism, sexism, homophobia and any kind of behaviour where people consider others as less deserving of value, respect and kindness.

I value the right of other people to hold different opinions and believe that we all learn from listening to each other. I admire those who work to bring different religions, cultures and people closer towards understanding and respect for each other.

When I travel, I particularly like to go to places others would consider dangerous or unusual. My general experience has been that the harder it is to get the visa, the more worthwhile it is visiting.

I set myself high personal standards and always try to treat people with courtesy and respect. I am fiercely loyal to friends and family, and do not forget people who have helped me in the past.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

As a regular traveller, I have been hosted or met by some wonderful Couchsurfers and feel fortunate to have met some wonderful friends. I have enjoyed hosting people in different places I have lived.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I met people visiting and have hosted some wonderful Couchsurfers. If I am travelling and people contact me using the 'nearby travellers' facility, I will always try to meet if the schedule allows.

Interests

• wildlife
• culture
• writing
• dining
• wine
• beer
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• camping
• soccer
• rugby
• swimming
• history
• volunteering
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Not a huge viewer of movies but I have a number of favourites. I enjoy movies that are based on real life situations and events.

Books....too many to list. Charles Dickens is probably my favourite British author. I am a big fan of Khaled Hossaini, whose novels are a masterpiece in storytelling and capture the details of the societies described.

And my favourite travel writer is Dervla Murphy-an Irish Grandmother who has travelled all over the world on her own, and continues to do so well into her 70s. Her books take an interest in people and have a tremendous 'spirit'.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Working with people in a variety of settings and constantly being surprised by the variety and amount of good there is in the world.

Visiting many different cities around the world, from ancient cities like Samarkand and Bukhara to Sanaa and Damascus to big cities such as Istanbul, Rio, Moscow or Buenos Aires. Although I am more comfortable in green and quiet places, I find cities fascinating.

The ongoing kindness and patience of complete strangers in foreign lands.

I absolutely love long and deep conversations going on into the night, whether over a pot of green tea, a bottle of wine or underneath the starlit sky.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am particularly interested in society, current affairs, history (political, imperial and social) and life as it is lived by people in the countries I am visiting. I hope I can provide more information about my country(strengths and weaknesses), whilst learning about other countries.

I used to work in the British Houses of Parliament and have an active interest in both UK and international politics. I don't pretend to be able to give you an unbiased view, although I hope to at least be fair!

I have a particular interest in the societies, cultures and history of the Middle East and Latin America.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City State, Wales, Yemen

Countries I’ve Lived In

Finland, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom

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