Hello! My name is Alejandro (Alex). I grew up in a small city in the United States but am currently floating around South America teaching English, volunteering, and trying to perfect my Spanish. I'm the oldest of five (three of whom are triplets), lived in Arizona for my undergraduate degree in Business, then decided I wanted to move out of the country! Since then, I've been living in Arequipa, Peru teaching and volunteering - I have both my TEFL and TESOL certificates.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm looking to travel and meet interesting people! I love speaking with people and learning about what drives them - Couchsurfing seems like a good place to organize those interactions! I also love to learn - about everything, sometimes to my own detriment. I realized that the way I learn best is by having someone take me through it and guide my hand - again, Couchsurfing seems like a very good place to meet open individuals who are willing to share what they know!

Interests

• writing
• wine
• movies
• cars
• woodworking
• music
• guitar
• business
• chemistry
• economics
• language exchange
• travel
• cultures
• talking
• language learning
• superheroes
• playing sports
• old cultures

Music, Movies, and Books

Consistently and hilariously, the top song two years running has been D'Angelo's "Ain't that Easy" and "Really Love", but I listen to anything and everything. If I had to say specifically, I love funk and jazz.

Favorite movie has to be Pulp Fiction (again, hilariously). The movie I've watched more than all others though is National Treasure (a solid 30+ since it came out which is... ridiculous... but I love it).

The most recent book I've really enjoyed was "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles. Similar to many of the reasons I'm on Couchsurfing, I like books that specifically explore the human condition through difficult or strenuous situations. Before that, I really enjoyed Joe Biden's "Promise me, Dad" for similar reasons.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Uhhhhhh...

Well, I packed up everything and left everything I knew to move to Peru, a country I had never been to or even really given two thoughts about. For me, moving to a new country was the most intimidating and scary thing I could do. It was a fork in the road moment for me; go to Peru or take a safe job in Texas. Consistently, the best decisions of my life have always shrouded themselves in fear. As of now, I'm trying to figure out that next decision - hopefully, you can help me out!

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm not only trained as an English teacher (TEFL/TESOL certified), but I graduated with Honors in Supply Chain Management w/ an Economics minor. I know a lot about American business, schools/universities, and organizations. Not only have I been teaching all of these things, but I would also love to share them with you!

I actually have a list titled "Things I Wish I Knew". Everything from 'how to take apart an engine and put it back together' to 'soups' (just, everything about soups lol), is on there. I would love to learn how to:
- grow food
- play poker well
- draw/graffiti art
- play guitar (better)
- play piano (at all)
- speak Spanish fluently
- speak French
- speak German

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share any of my expertise regarding business (Supply Chain) or English - if you would like to learn about either, I can most definitely share! Moreso, I have experience with construction and painting if you would like my help around the house! Plus, I use to be a professional dishwasher AND I am ranked #7 in the world by the International Union of Professional Sweepers (IUPS). I can also share my experiences; like everyone, I have been many places, seen many things, and have my own perspective on the world. I really value having a conversation that challenges my own ideas and perspective, but I won't hesitate, in a friendly manner, to challenge yours in order to get to a better understanding. If I am someone you would feel comfortable hosting, please let me know!

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Chile, Cuba, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Mexico, Monaco, Peru, Spain, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Argentina, Peru, United States