CURRENT MISSION

To learn the art of travelling.

ABOUT ME

I've been told I'm an easy going, laid back person that is easy to get along with. I really enjoy meeting new people and hanging around with old friends and as long as I can do that, it doesn't really matter what I'm doing.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is great because I love being able to meet up with locals or other travelers, make new friends, and learn about where I am staying from someone that lives there. It has enabled me to do a heck of a lot more stuff while solo travelling than I would have before, and has shown me things that if I was just staying in a hotel or hostel never would have allowed. Meeting up with hosts, their friends and family is a great way to feel at home when you are far away.

I haven't done much hosting but my work contract (which takes me away from home every second week) is ending, so hopefully I can do it more.

Interests

I love being outside, be it hiking, camping, or just sitting on someones porch. Surround me with some friends and good food and I am as happy as can be. I suppose if you give me friends and food and put it inside then its ok too.

When not outdoors I have been known to spend my time reading (what type of books you ask? see below), playing non-competitive sports (I'm not overly competitive, or coordinated), going out to movies/concerts, and playing the board games. Lately I've been really interested in homesteading, however, because I rent a second story apartment, all I can do is read and daydream.

Also traveling, but I don't really feel like that requires mentioning.

• arts
• books
• concerts
• dining
• cooking
• movies
• board games
• reading
• traveling
• homesteading
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• camping
• sports
• history
• solo travel

Music, Movies, and Books

Books - Terry Pratchett, George RR Martin, Neil Gaiman, Bill Bryson, and recently various natural history/evolution books. I tend to like fantasy novels, and historical novels. I'm stuck in a bit of a rut these days and can't seem to finish a book, so if you've got any great books that I should check out, let me know.

Music - I like a variety of music (which is something everyone seems to say) but these days I find myself listening to more folk music and more, uh, I guess electronic music? Not sure what I'd class it as. Either way, when I first joined couchsurfing I started up a playlist on a music streaming website to easily answer that question. I haven't touched it in about 4 years, but if you want to check out what Ayden was interested in about 4 years ago, pop over to http://radio3.cbc.ca/ and sign in under the profile...

Username: Couch
Password: Surfing

They are all Canadian bands (that's all the website posts) and are all smallish. If you find any songs on the site that aren't on the list that you think are great, add them and I'll take a look.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was accidentally tear-gassed in Madagascar while buying toothpaste and I was caught outside in the largest dust storm in living memory in Australia. I have stood on every coast of Canada, and its a really big country, and have been to every ocean on earth too.

Teach, Learn, Share

Hrmmm. I could probably teach some Canadian natural history, as thats what I've been spending the past 6 or 7 years working on and studying. Although most of my work is done in Northern Ontario and there is little species overlap between where I currently live and where I work.

I generally love to learn about the history of where I travel, and seeing the differences in cultures. So if you know a bit about the history of where you live I would love to hear about it, but if not, all I need is to go for a walk and soak in all the exciting newness and I'll be happy.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I like to think that I can offer some good conversations and some great stories. If its of interest I can try my hand at cooking up a "Canadian" recipe, but I'm not a super great cook, so it might not go so well...

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Canada, England, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Italy, Madagascar, Malaysia, Morocco, Portugal, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, United States, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Madagascar, United States

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