CURRENT MISSION

To finish my book about my grandmother!!!!!!

ABOUT ME

Well. I had my first couch-surfing experiences this year (2011) and thoroughly enjoyed them. I'd even go so far as that they were life-changing, and definitely enhanced my solo travels. I'm now a strong advocate of this website, and recommend couch-surfing to anyone with a backpack on their shoulders.

During my journey this year, I traveled alone through Egypt, Turkey, Ukraine & China (I've been told a strange choice)... and I will never forget the generous hospitality of the couch-surfers I met. In fact, the couch-surfing experiences were some of the best memories I will keep from this adventure.

The purpose of this journey was to go to the Ukrainian village where my grandmother was born and raised (Pidlypne), as I am writing a book on her past. I met some great people in Ukraine, but I also ended up in hospital there too....!! Unfortunately it was assumed I had no medical insurance, so I spent 5 days in a free, state hospital in the Crimea.... not your average tourist destination!

Anyway, after traveling for 2 months I'm back in London, working on sound projects, and trying to write my book. I'm hoping soon to set off round the world again.

PHILOSOPHY

Talk rubbish well.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

At the moment because of my work commitments I can't offer a couch....yet. I'm hoping that when things quieten down on the work front, I will have an open door to interesting and fun travellers. I want to offer the same generosity that I received on my travels.

I can however answer any emails if advice is needed for people new to England and London. And I can meet for a drink and a chat too, depending on my work hours.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've now had 3 very positive experiences of surfing with 3 different hosts. 2 in Ukraine and 1 in Beijing China. I feel privileged to have met all three hosts, and am amazed by the generosity and openness of 'strangers' allowing me into their homes. I will happily keep in touch with these hosts, and I hope to return the favour and host them in London!

Interests

Music!! (although generally i do not like most US/UK pop music). Part of my job is to record music (which I love doing) and I have a desire to travel the world documenting/recording the music i see & hear.

I like to read too, although I never seem to have as much time as i'd like to do this.

I'm an active person, and enjoy sport activities. I'm a keen swimmer and enjoy open water swimming. I run too, having done the London Marathon in 2006 and to be done again in 2012.

• writing
• books
• marathon
• running
• drinking
• flying
• traveling
• music
• piano
• backpacking
• surfing
• sports
• swimming
• engineering
• solo travel

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: King Khan & the BBQ Show / Black Lips / Tame Impala / Turkish 60s rock (Selda etc...) / Mulatu Astatke / Detroit 90s House Music / Jimi Hendrix / 80s hip hop / MF Doom

Books: Master & Margarita (the only book I've read more than once) / Sherlock Holmes / Not Now Bernard...

Movies: White Ribbon (favourite film at the moment) / TT3d / All Studio Ghibli FIlms.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Traveling the world and meeting new people are the most memorable things I've done.

So far the best experiences I've had have been traveling through Central and South America, and being won over by Turkey. I will always remember flying in a hot air ballon in Goreme & swimming across the Bosphorus..... and China!!!!!! What a country. I need to return.

I'll also never forget spending 5 days in an Ukrainian hospital.....

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach basic piano! Not exactly the most life-changing skill, but it's a start...

I'm well versed in audio engineering skills & audio equipment.

And of course... I can help you with your english!

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Chile, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Netherlands, Peru, Russian Federation, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United Kingdom

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