CURRENT MISSION

To live an interesting and memorable life wherever I may be

ABOUT ME

I'm an American original who spent a quiet childhood in the American Pacific NW, plunged into San Francisco and teaching in a black school during the summers of love, went from being intensely into radical politics in the teacher's union to a "radical" and persecuted spiritual movement. I served as a volunteer worker in the movement over the next 20 years across America.
In 1991, I chose to relocate to Moscow when I had the opportunity and soon found myself sought after as a native-speaking English teacher. I never expected to still be there 23 years later but I do feel what I have done is valuable.
Now I've shifted gears, slowing down some, married and moved to the American South. I continue teaching and editing online part-time but am semi-retired.

I returned to the U.S. in December 2014 to begin the next chapter of my non- hum-drum life.

I find that each decade of my life just gets better. I'm a realistic optimist who truly loves people, enjoys singing and laughing (especially with children), but has a serious, thoughtful side and thrives on beautiful art and design, great ideas and books, and can spend hours in museums and unique little shops.

PHILOSOPHY

Life is meant to be lived and to be shared. The most meaningful thing we can do is to serve and lift up each other. The world is ripe to be changed with sincere, unselfish love!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have hosted many guests from C.S. (as well as other hospitality clubs)and have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and sharing with folks all over the world.

When I travel I often go to see my family and friends throughout the world but occasionally have a chance or need to connect to new people as well.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've been on this adventure for many years now, mostly hosting. It's a great service and a great way to connect to some of the best people on the planet. I've been impressed by the quality of adventurous souls with itchy feet and questing minds. I've meet many but would enjoy meeting many more.
I do realize that Moscow, Russia is not for everyone, not a user-friendly place in many ways, but I assure you it is interesting and unique. That's why I can help make it "do-able" for more people.

Interests

I would say I'm a "people person" since they are more interesting than anybody. I love to teach-- especially children who are so open and receptive. I also indulge in reading, writing, learning about other cultures, cooking, traveling, singing, enjoying my two cats, studying many periods of history, surfing the internet, etc.

• cats
• arts
• writing
• books
• singing
• design
• education
• cooking
• clubbing
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• volunteer work
• surfing
• teaching
• history
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

The movies I like best are from the 1950s-70s, full of good stories and great acting. My musical tastes run to the best in many genres but I especially enjoy blues, folk music and world music.
The books I read are 90% non-fiction: biographies, history, cultural, new thinking, etc. I am also into poetry, American, British and Russian literature.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've witnessed (from the side) the San Francisco Hippie 1960s scene, and now the breakdown of the USSR and the partial rebirth of Russia and its people. I try to penetrate and study the social transformations surrounding me.
I found a way to thrive in the ever-changing atmosphere of Moscow for 23 years and build a family of inter-generational friends and acquaintances that enriched my world.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach me to love, teach me to laugh, teach me to learn, teach me to LIVE! This is a great motto to go by. The greatest teachers are the best learners.
I have many professional and personal skills in communication, education and research that I'm more than willing to pass on.
There is much about life and the world I have yet to learn myself.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belarus, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Slovakia, South Korea, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Russian Federation, United States

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