I played ancient Japanese drums in a marching band during a Nepeta festival in Japan while my family helped pull a deity through the streets. We sailed and got stuck in the doldrums while exploring the medieval ports of Malta. We admired in the junk art of an unknown, anonymous dump operator in India. We toured Mesa Verde’s ruins with a host/ park ranger during twilight when we were the only ones there.

6. Please tell us about your 3 favourite or most memorable hosting experiences.

The Bhutanese student told us of how his parents grew up in a world without money, bartering only. We’ve visited and hosted some families who have become friends over the years. We see one another’s children grow from a great distance, but we feel like relatives. Servas guests have taken me to museums and architectural sites in my own city which I never knew existed. ( Frank Furness buildings, Barnes Foundation). It’s been a wonderful gastronomical experience as well. Some hosts have prepared memorable meals or suggested great restaurants, and occasionally we cook for our busy hosts. We enjoy living in homes, chatting, trading customs and participating in the day to day lifestyles of caring people.

7. You also work as volunteer interviewers for Servas. Please comment on that role and why you chose to get involved in that capacity.