My name is Alexis. A native of Tulsa, OK, I have had many chances to travel in my 28 years of life, and the travel bug will always stay with me.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I graduated college with the notion I'd take a gap year before breaking into the "real world." It has since been longer than a year, and I'm not stopping soon, so I have now dedicated myself to just seeing as much of the world as I can whenever I have the opportunity.

While I have friends in many places to stay with, some cities are totally foreign to me, and rather than getting sucked into tourist traps and seeing cities superficially, I want to see these new places through the lens of a local. I want to be taught about a new place by someone who truly knows and loves it.

Interests

I've practiced photography for more than a decade and have been practicing graphic design for almost just as long! I love art and communication, language and music. I love exploring spirituality and meaning, yoga and meditation.

Also, coffee, beer, gender studies, art and travel (most obviously). My three main stops in any new city are an art installation (museum, gallery, show, etc), a funky coffee shop and a brewery/distillery/unique bar.

• arts
• culture
• design
• graphic design
• wine
• beer
• coffee
• drinking
• shopping
• traveling
• cycling
• hunting
• gender studies

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I grew up listening to my parent's 80s hair bands and 90s alternative and ska (forever bowing down to the greatness that is the Red Hot Chili Peppers and No Doubt-era Gwen Stefani). Now I'm more of an EDM connoisseur, loving the spectrum of world bass to melodic dub. I also love bluegrass and jazz, Fleetwood Mac and Otis Redding. So a little of everything!

Movies: All about the Southwestern-set, independent film, and from "back in the day." Sunshine Cleaning, Dan in Real Life, Little Miss Sunshine, and Away We Go. My all-time favorite is Synecdoche New York. And, of course, I'm always craving a good Harry Potter marathon. Primarily, though, I'm caught watching documentaries of all kinds.

Books: I have read Stieg Larsson's Millenium series (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and others) multiple times, and it remains my favorite with every read. You may call it an obsession, and I would agree.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In 2016, a friend and I backpacked for a month through Peru. Our main stop was Cusco, and from there, Machu Picchu. We followed the Salkantay Trail, rounding the Salkanay Pass and landing eventually in Aguascalientes, the base of Machu Picchu. The five-day hike was hard on my body and mentality, but it worked wonders for my soul. Seeing the sun rise through the sun gate, illuminating the foggy and mysterious ancient world of Machu Picchu brought tears to my eyes.

What I Can Share with Hosts

For my guests, I will be a blank slate. I am up for whatever they and their city has to offer. I can offer good conversation as well, over beer, wine, coffee or anything else they may be drinking. I also promise to always have a thank you gift in my travel bag.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Mexico, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Peru, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy