CURRENT MISSION

Get through life one experience at a time.

ABOUT ME

Grew up in Boise ID, just finished medical school in Australia. Now I'm just trying to enjoy life until I start post-grad training in July. Trying to see and experience all the many and varied people am experiences that I can--finding all the similarities and differences. So far I've found that people everywhere have an incredible capacity for generosity, everywhere has its own idiosyncracities, and there are some delicious cheeses out there.

I hate writing this, but I feel like I've had enough experiences now I should probably be clear about it--I am straight. I have no problems with homosexuality and have no problems sharing space with homosexuals, but I do not want to be misleading people. If I accept your couchsurfing offer or request (this goes for ladies as well), I have no intention of having any sort of romantic experience. I apologize if anything on my profile has given you a different impression.

PHILOSOPHY

It's always better to give a bigger some change. I don't know how you feel when you walk past them, but I've always felt uncomfortable and guilty. Hitchhiking, I've seen that feeling reflected in countless drivers driving by. Some hide it with a smile and a shrug, some give accusing den contemptuous glares, but I think it's always the same. I realized for hitchhiking, you're probably hurting yourself more than you're hurting me, but if someone needs the money in your pocket, you're probably hurting them more, and still hurting yourself. So just give them some change, don't worry about what they may spend it on.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have only lived in places with roommates who weren't excited about this since I learned about it, so I haven't been able to host anyone yet...hoping to change that in a couple months.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've had pretty mixed experiences. A discouraging number of times I have thought I would have a couch to stay on only to find out that I was being led on or the person changed their plans. BUT, every time it has worked out, I found an interesting person with a fascinating story. Wish I could tell them all. One of my favorites was a permaculture farm in Arcidosso--great people, awesome vibe, and I got to do some work so that I didn't feel like a complete freeloader.

Interests

A little camping, hiking, biking, kayaking (river, not sea), beach volleyball, ultimate frisbee.

• writing
• books
• mardi gras
• recipes
• cycling
• hiking
• kayaking
• camping
• rock climbing
• volleyball
• medicine
• hitchhiking
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite book: All the Names by Jose Saramago...haven't found anyone who likes it as much as I do, though. Have really gotten into Terry Pratchett recently.
Movies and music to fit the mood (sometimes you just want to see blood and guts in the cheesiest sort of way... usually w/ a forty in hand).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

How do you pick just one? Climbing a mountain by myself on an overcast, dreary day, to get above and see an ocean of clouds punctuated by snow-capped peaks. A Hmong wedding in Vietnam. Chewbaccas, Mardi Gras. Making friends with a bunch of Dutch people in Southern India. Playing Ultimate Frisbee with the same people I learned to play from when I was 18 in Boise, ID. The list goes on...

Teach, Learn, Share

I love to learn. I also love to teach. If you want to learn anything about medicine, I'm happy to tell you what I know, and I promise to tell you if I start making stuff up. If you've got anything to teach me, I would love to hear it--so much prefer learning from people than books. And I really want to learn recipes from around the world, so if you've got one, please share!

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Chile, India, Nepal, New Zealand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, United States