** currently traveling Europe for an undetermined period of time so unable to host for a while **

In brief, I'm reasonably well traveled and educated, have a pretty good sense of humor (but I can't remember a joke to save my life!), and am extremely patient and non-judgmental. I am very polite and am completely respectful of all people and points of view. People generally find me a reasonably intelligent and entertaining conversationalist. I am a person of moderation, not extremes.

I thrive on diversity and mix well with people of all ages, social status, sexual orientation, and race. I seem to get along pretty well with dogs too; rattlesnakes not so much.

Back in the 70s, I spent a year between high school and college hitchhiking around Europe and since then have traveled extensively, on both business and pleasure, around both the US and Europe. Vagabonding is in my blood I'm afraid...

I am currently living in a beautiful small town in the foothills of North Carolina and have converted my home to a bed & breakfast (The Wilcox on Melrose in Tryon NC), but regularly help out fellow vagabonds.

Once my youngest was out of high school, I packed my car and camped, hosteled, and couchsurfed across Canada. After an extended period in Newfoundland, where I fell in love with puffins and iceburgs, I found my plans to vagabond around northern Spain and Portugal then across Asia sidelined by the birth of a grandson ... so I ended up in Charleston area for four years as a full-time Grandude (I'm way too young to be a 'grandpa'!!!).

I have taken up photography on my journeys and that took up much of my spare time in the Charleston area but have found myself doing extensive historical research since moving to North Carolina.

PHILOSOPHY

"The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion." - T. Paine

Nothing could describe my approach better than the saying "Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty" Observing it in the actions of others always puts a smile in my soul.

"Do everything in moderation, including moderation." - Oscar Wilde

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I grew up in a home which hosted exchange students from all parts of the world, some of whom my family is still close to. The need for cultural exchanges I grew up with has continued throughout my adulthood.

During my travels I have met people, experienced situations, and had conversations I never would have dreamed about without the open-mindedness and spirit for new experiences. Couchsurfing has been an excellent way to connect with people. I have really enjoy both hosting and being hosted, meeting all the fascinating diversity of people that make life so interesting... as a bonus, I've made many friends along the way.

Interests

Exploring, photography, writing, stimulating conversation, sharing, volunteering. I am active in the Big Brother program and act as a Guardian Ad Litum.

• writing
• photography
• beauty
• cooking
• chocolate
• working out
• drinking
• traveling
• kayaking
• business
• religion
• hitchhiking
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

My musical tastes pretty much run the entire range... classical, country, jazz, classic rock, etc... other than rap and bluegrass I'll probably be happy with just about anything that's playing!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Watching a violent lightning storm from above during a commercial flight.
Spending a day kayaking out on the ocean with a flock of puffins.
Sitting on the top of the Alps, drinking hot cocoa while soaking in the sun and admiring the awe inspiring view.
Resting in the sun near a waterfall.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

United Kingdom, United States

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