i) language(s) that you are learning, including level
Italian, A1

ii) language(s) you speak natively
English

iii) your location
Pregassona (Lugano)

iv) personal interests (eg sport, film, music etc)
science, running, backpacking, rock climbing, skiing, travel, landscape photography
reading, film, alternative rock music, Cirque du Soleil.

v) short introduction about yourself
Born in California, raised in Alaska (not by wolves or polar bears), educated in Chicago and in Boston. Lived in Sweden and in Australia and now Switzerland (since August 2009). Know some French as well but far better listening to it than speaking it at this point. Involved in scientific computing in support of ETHZ and other research institutions in CH. My wife has been attending Italian class with me so it would be good if she could participate as well.