Hi my name is Allie and I am trying to travel in a more meaningful way. I have done a lot of globetrotting but unless I do a home-stay, I feel I am missing out on authentic interactions with locals and then I don't get a complete picture of the place I am visiting.

My favorite travels have been in Russia and China because I was lucky enough to stay with a Russian family during my one-month stay and was able to understand the culture better. In China I was able to stay with my Chinese in-laws so that has improved my experience in the country.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I want to get a deeper understanding of cultures in countries that I travel in. I want to make friends internationally and if possible, travel with my host. I can help with chores and give my host a workout session if they like (I'm part of a free fitness community called Fitfam in Shanghai, look it up if you want to learn more). There are two types of people I specifically would like to meet: vegans (I'm a newly transitioned vegan and so is my husband) and people interested in health and longevity (I'm visiting the Blue Zones as part of my trip to learn more about how to live a healthy and sustainable life).

Interests

If left up to my own devices, I could spend hours reading newspapers and primary sources related to history, politics, or business.

• environment
• vegan
• working out
• crossfit
• politics
• traveling
• solo travel

Music, Movies, and Books

Fleet Foxes, Arctic Monkeys, Drake, Majid Jordan, The Weeknd (Before all the 50 shades stuff)

Deep Bluewater Horizon (true story scarier than any horror film), Get Out, What the Health

Edward Snowden's memoir, 1984

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'm not sure if it is amazing or stupid but I made the decision to move to China in one day, after receiving a job offer with a really shady English trading center. What happened after was an adventure but nonetheless that stupid one-second decision resulted in me meeting my now-husband across the world.

Teach, Learn, Share

I love this philosophy but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to write in this box.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can help with chores and give my host a workout session if they like (I'm part of a free fitness community called Fitfam in Shanghai, look it up if you want to learn more). I can help my host practice their English.

Countries I’ve Visited

Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, England, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Malaysia, Philippines, Portugal, Russian Federation, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Poland, United States