I'm Zak. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, but moved to northern California to attend UC Davis in 2001. After college, I moved to San Francisco and Oakland, where I lived for about 10 years. In 2013, my wife, Liz, and I picked up and moved to Brooklyn, NY, where we lived until April 2016, at which point we quit our jobs, sold our stuff, and hit the road.

We're currently spending a year traveling around the world. Spending four months in Central & South America, two months in Europe, and six months in Asia. We've been staying mostly in hostels or with friends, and have had an amazing time exploring and making new friends.

Prior to leaving, I was the National Sales Manager for Shmaltz Brewing Company, a small craft brewery based in Upstate New York, where I worked for eight and a half years.

I love talking to and learning about people, have a passion for food and drink, and spend my time hanging with friends, cooking, listening to music, or reading/watching TV.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My wife and I love meeting new people from all over the world. And while we haven't had an opportunity to host through Couchsurfing, we've always made our home available to passers-through.

We've also been fortunate enough to have been put up many times in the past, and understand what a lifesaver it can be, especially for someone traveling on a budget and in an unfamiliar place.

We're currently traveling the world for a year, so won't be able to host until our return, but hoping our lack of Couchsurfing cred won't disqualify us from staying with you.

Interests

I love to cook. Grew up working in restaurants and, while I don't do it professionally, I always take advantage of opportunities to be in the kitchen.

We're also always on the hunt for good food and drink, so we spend a lot of time exploring bars and restaurants.

Love music and parties. Are active in the New York Burning Man community, and enjoy going to the many many events all around the city.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Making the decision to quit my job, sell my stuff, and leave New York, to spend a year traveling the world and living out of a backpack.

After working for 10 years, it would have been so easy to keep doing the same thing, but now, I can't imagine my life without having made this decision.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm always happy to cook. If you don't know how, I'll share my food, or even better, teach you how to make something.

I've found food to be an amazing social connector that transcends language barriers, and I love sharing it with people.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Colombia, Germany, Guatemala, Israel, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Spain, United States