CURRENT MISSION

play the ukulele

ABOUT ME
I welcome all pilgrims, touring cyclists, backpackers, wanderers, and travelers as I was once one myself. Though I'm an American I've lived in Europe for over 20 years-- in Portugal, on the road, and in Germany. I busk a lot with my ukulele. I'm interested in helping you on your way.

PHILOSOPHY

seven times down, eight times up

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have mainly participated as a couchsurfer, though I have hosted a few people since coming to Germany.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

In the 2 years that I couchsurfed from Portugal to Egypt to Germany, I stayed with dozens of generous hosts who became a part of my peace pilgrimage and cycling fundraiser. I was always amazed by the kindness, level of trust, and hospitality of my couchsurfung hosts. And while I began Couchsurfing for economic reasons, were I to find myself a wealthy man I'd continue to use Couchsurfing; I have met many very interesting people along the way that I wouldn't have met otherwise, and many of them have become lasting friends.

Interests

I enjoy philosophizing about life, and listening to other people's life experiences. I want to learn about other people's peace initiatives, no matter how small they may seem to be.
I enjoy swimming. Yeah, and walking or cycling long distances. I practice Vipassana meditation. I am learning German, langsam. I like gardening. I write a little. I paint a little. I've recently immersed myself in ukuleles. I am committed to helping refugees, or anyone in need, any way I can.

• writing
• vegetarian
• meditation
• walking
• gardening
• traveling
• painting
• cycling
• swimming
• teaching
• ukulele
• vipassana

Music, Movies, and Books

'The Prophet', Kahlil Gibran
Amin Maalouf, 'The Gardens of Light'. Karen Armstrong's 'Muhammad: Prophet for our time'
Also Kapuscinski, 'Travels with Herodotus'
'Gilead', by Marilynne Robinson.
Anything by Kurt Vonnegut.

Ah, the list is too long to write down!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've experienced lots of amazing things, like people in poverty sharing what little they have with me, or being caught in a bit of a riot in Tahrir Square. "Wild" camping is often amazing too.

Teach, Learn, Share

I hope to share my views on peace, on living simply, and on community. Also loads of travel stories. I'll talk your ear off.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can cook something simple but tasty. Tell stories. Ukulele songs.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, British Indian Ocean Territory, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Serbia, Slovenia, Somalia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, Portugal, United States

•