Hello, I’m Allison and I love to travel! I am fully vaccinated with 3x doses of Pfizer and I am trying to make up for lost time from the pandemic so that I may experience other cultures and countries after so long where it was not possible. I feel most alive in new situations observing different ways of life. Change and variation are things I find inspiring and enjoyable because it’s amazing to see all the different ways that human beings have adapted to the world around us and forged a unique lifestyle.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love to meet locals who provide special insight to the place I’m visiting. It’s a really awesome way to connect with people and understand a different culture better. I think staying with a local provides unique insight that a hotel cannot match. I want to know your favorite street food, restaurant, park, cafe, museum, local activity, etc!

Interests

In the United States, our citizens are made up of people from all over the world who have immigrated there since it’s conception. It’s amazing to witness the diversity, however, the United States puts a strong emphasis on cultural assimilation. The result is that many of us lose our identity of origin. Although most of my ancestors came from Europe, I am very disconnected from the cultural identity they had and I was raised as a fully assimilated American. The American culture is relatively young, artificially constructed through cultural erasure, and deeply flawed. I hope that through travel, I can observe mature cultures that grew organically and have deep local roots and engrained customs.

• dancing
• salsa dancing
• cooking
• hiking
• tea
• exploring
• learning
• trains
• public transportation
• rotary

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I went on a Rotary Youth Exchange to Taiwan in 2015-16 where I learned Mandarin, met others from all around the world, and had amazing cultural exchange opportunities. I love Taiwan so much and would love to return when possible.

Right now I’m traveling with my best friend Hannah, who did Rotary Youth Exchange to France in 2012-13 and also has many amazing stories and experiences to share.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am really interested in cultural experiences and would always love some advice on where to go, what to see, and how to be respectful to the people and customs.

I can help you practice English or you can help me practice Spanish, whichever the situation calls for.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belize, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, Taiwan, Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Taiwan, United States