Hi there, come in. I was just mixing myself a boysenberry daiquiri, would you care for one?

I am down-to-earth but a man of many interests. I run my own business, which is a lifestyle that I really love. I'm active in local politics, and I'm involved in a non-profit that gives me many chances to indulge my passions and interact with government/media. All this keeps me busy but challenged. I'm a native Australian but I've spent about half my adult life overseas. I've recently returned from my latest sojourn to Shanghai.

I'm happy to relate my experiences in business, travel and life in person. In the meantime, this is a quick description of me:

I like: Foreign languages, fried dumplings, German pop music, morbid jokes, staying in shape on my bike, being my own boss, feeding parrots, deep conversations, fretting about the environment, stargazing, double entendres.

I don't like: Junk food, the easily offended, movies with lots of explosions, taking things on faith, talking about horoscopes, or going to bed mad.

I make a lot of jokes. I enjoy trying to cook new things. I am a good speller. I collect the song "Please Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood", and have about 60 versions, all terrible. I like to ride a bike, go walking and hiking, practice photography and am open to new sports or physical activity - I've learned how important health and fitness is to a happy life. I like going out to museums, movies and live music, cool bars and restaurants; however, I'm not a big drinker.

I like music with strong rhythms and interesting lyrics. Also a blues fan. Some of my favourites: Cake, Zero 7, Air, Beck, The Dandy Warhols, Hilltop Hoods, John Butler Trio, Thievery Corporation, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Muse, KT Tunstall, the Tea Party (and those whale song CDs that masseuses have).

I'm looking for someone I can get to know on Summer evenings walking by the river, buy flowers for, and spend Sunday mornings with. Someone who'll send me naughty SMSs, miss me when I'm gone, and depend on me to program the remote control.

On the first date, opportunities for quiet conversation are important. Meeting for a drink or dinner to test the waters is a good default plan, but a walk in a scenic park or along the river creates an even more relaxed feeling sometimes.