Alex

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hi folks! My name is Alex and I'm from the Midwest in the United States. Things have changed pretty drastically for me in the last couple years, and my world is at a bit of a crossroads. I'm at a unique point in my life where it feels like it's the right time to embark on an adventure and see where it takes me. I don't know precisely where I'm going just yet, only that I'm going somewhere.

People often find me quiet and reserved when they first get to know me, but that never lasts long. As soon as I'm comfortable with you, I'm expressive, energetic, and quick to laugh. I'm someone that feels things strongly most of the time.

I'm more comfortable closer to nature than I am bigger cities, but I'm not afraid to step out of that comfort zone to experience new things. I love the outdoors and used to be an avid trail runner; I'd really like to get back into that practice. I've been a hobbyist fungi forager for the last few years and it's something that brings me a great deal of happiness. My goal every year is to become intimately familiar with identifying one more mushroom (I've always surpassed this number, but I prefer not to add unneeded pressure. It's an adventure, not a homework assignment!) I'm always up for a hike, whether it's a casual stroll through the backwoods or a challenging climb up a rocky trail. I enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and camping in general.

As you can probably tell by my pictures, I'm very much a dog person. My dog Bailey is twelve years old now and has mostly retired from tromping about with me in the wilderness. But she seems happy and comfortable right now, and my heart is content with that. If you have dogs or even just know someone else who does, I promise you I'll always want to know about them. Seeing pictures of people happy with their furry companions is a simple joy for me.

I'm a reader and a writer - I've self-published four different fiction novels (and gone through the heartbreaking and exhausting process of writing letters to literary agents - one day I'll get a yes). Medieval fantasy is definitely my heart's soft spot, but I'm also an insatiable consumer of spooky things both in writing and movies. I'm particular as to what resonates with me, always chasing that next spine-chilling ghost story. I was also introduced to Dungeons and Dragons with some of my closest friends a few years ago and I'm still playing the same campaign with them via Zoom every two weeks or so. It's a shining bright spot for me every time and a great way to stay connected to those I care for.

I've worked in a variety of settings throughout my life. My summers in high school were spent helping my dad with the family's portable toilet business and masonry construction. They were both difficult and sometimes downright unpleasant, but those were critical years for me in developing a strong work ethic. I went to college for video production and loaded trailers with UPS while I was going to school. After that, I worked in a television news station for about seven years, doing everything from camera operation, audio control, technical directing, main directing, and master control operations. Unfortunately, I became acutely and chronically stressed with both the job and the work environment, and from there I did something that at the time was very scary for me: I pivoted to something entirely new and entered the world of craft brewing and spent another seven years working in that industry, eventually becoming a professional brewer.

Which brings me to now. I've left the industry of craft brewing, and I don't believe I'll be going back. Even though that chapter of my life is over, I still have an enthusiastic appreciation for all things fermented, whether it's cabbage, barley, or a kombucha SCOBY. I have a deep admiration and appreciation for traditional brewing practices of all kinds, and at some point in my life I need to drink an authentic kölsch.

As of this writing, I'm working in a lumber yard driving a forklift and preparing material orders. It's not a job I'm passionate about, but it's allowed me to save up for this opportunity to travel. I don't know what waits for me after my adventure, but I'm at peace knowing I'll find something.

If you're curious at all about anything else, don't hesitate to ask!

Interests

Technology

Movies & TV

Culture

Performing arts

Events & social

Charity work

Videography

Politics / Social justice

Pets

Sustainability

Self development

Farming

Photography

Plant care

Music

Gardening

History

Writing

Books

Art & design

Animals

Cycling

Mountain

Outdoor activities

Winter sports

Team sports

Nature

Hiking

Camping

Adventure sports

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent

More details about my language interests
I'm always eager to learn another language - I'm sorry that I can't provide more in exchange than English. I only know a few words and phrases of Spanish and a little bit of German, but not enough that I'm comfortable listing them as a familiarity.

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Eco Projects

Charity Work

Art Projects

Being an elderly companion

Languages

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Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

DIY and building projects

General Maintenance

Life at a Farmstay

Helping around the house

Animal Care

Helping with Computers/ Internet

More details about your skills

While it's been some time since I've done any video production work professionally, I'm still generally knowledgeable about that kind of technology and can probably help with anything you might need assistance with!

I've done a lot of gardening in my life and also helped with my fair share of farm chores. I'm a hard worker and staunchly unafraid of dirty, physical work. While I can't claim expertise, I'm able and willing to help with remodeling and construction projects around the house. I'm a hands-on learner, and if you're willing to show me, chances are I'll be able to pick it up just fine.

If you need someone to care for pets, I'm always happy to assist with whatever's needed. Dogs are my favorite, but I can also assist with cats, fish, or farm animals.

I also kept bees for about four years! If you happen to have any hives and need someone to tend to them, I'm comfortable doing so with or without assistance.

And I realize it's a little niche... but if you have any homebrewing aspirations, I can certainly help with that. :)

I wouldn't say that I am a skilled cook, but I am a willing one! If you need assistance chopping veggies or preparing anything else, I'm happy to do my part. This is something I'm trying to get better at, so I'm always ready to learn more.

Age

36

What else ...

I enjoy board and card games, and I really miss backyard sports. I don't even care if I'm good at them or not, I just enjoy friendly competition and getting exercise in a stimulating way.

I've previously practiced both yoga and meditation. It's more of a stretching exercise for me than a spiritual one, but I'm happy to participate. My tense neck and shoulders tell me I should be doing more of it.

I do consume meat, but I've really enjoyed both vegetarian and vegan cuisine in the past. I'm open to adjustments in my diet if it's helpful for fellow travelers or hosts!

**Update: My current plan is to fly to Portugal near the end of September or possibly early October. I'd like to spend 2-3 weeks there, but I'm open to a longer stay if the situation feels right! I'd also like to travel to Switzerland and one more destination before returning to the States for the holidays. Don't hesitate to reach out if any of this sounds like a good fit!

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  Laundry detergent dyes, mild to moderate seasonal pollen

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  Special dietary requirements