I'm currently unable to host, but feel free to message me if you need any help.

ABOUT ME

What I value most in life is understanding.

I think a lot of the division in the world stems from a lack of psychological validation and understanding. As a result, I don't think the most effective way to overcome this division is by trying to convince others of our beliefs, but by building the individual up instead - by actively listening to what they have to say and treating their views as valid. I think that we must do this with ourselves as well: we must listen and validate ourselves so that we can start to believe that we matter. And once we believe in ourselves, the world with all of its diverging viewpoints and values won't feel like a threat, but instead, as an opportunity to learn.

I've lived with some severe mental illnesses all my life, so traveling was never something I thought I could do, let alone solo traveling and couchsurfing. I'm very grateful that I can solo travel and I strongly believe that it doesn't have to be limited to those who are healthy and able-bodied. Because of my experience with mental illness, I'm very interested in psychology, especially how different cultures view and treat mental health.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

In May 2016, I went couchsurfing for the first time. I traveled from Chicago to DC (to NYC) and couchsurfed almost the entire way. I decided to challenge myself and approached people and photographed them: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1566013233691108.1073741830.1508079629484469&type=1&l=3586772311.

After this trip, I learned that street photography was not something I cared for. What I really enjoyed was meeting people on the streets. Couchsurfing is similar to that. It's a place that allows you to meet people who you might not get along with, who you fundamentally disagree with, who you cannot understand, who you clash personalities with, and somehow, you have to find a way to navigate that. I'm on couchsurfing for the reason I like to meet people in general. It helps me to understand human interaction.

Interests

• environment
• philosophy
• psychology
• mental health
• understanding
• empathy
• homelessness

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm open to all genres of art and literature from all cultures. I don't really have any favorites, as I find I can find value in anything. I'm currently interested in reading a book from every region of the world.

I also make music. Here's some of the music I've made: https://www.youtube.com/c/aslanleo

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share my enjoyment of cooking, particularly if you have dietary restrictions (whether it's because of food allergies, religious-based restrictions, ethical reasons, financial restrictions, etc.) I also enjoy learning about cultural cuisine. I like learning about what ingredients are popular in an area, what cooking methods are used, what tools are used to cook with, and how cultural beliefs influence a culture's diet.

I can share music. I play a variety of instruments and I write songs. I've also taught a few people how to play the violin and piano in a short amount of time.

Other than that, I can offer my own perspective on the world, listen to anything you want to talk about, and help out in any way.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Taiwan, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States