I'm a travel enthusiast from India, currently living in Southern California. I am passionate about discovering places and meeting new people. As a person who loves stories, travelling serves as a perfect platform to stumble upon new tales every single time. When I am not travelling, I spend my time writing, reading books, painting, and fiddling with my DSLR!

I love nature and outdoors. In the four years I have spent living in the USA, I have turned into a national park geek and dream of visiting all the national parks out here. So far I have been to 26 out of the 60 in US.

Additionally, I am a hiking enthusiast (meaning I alternate from being outdoors for days to being a sloth bear snoozing away at home). On the days I have had spurts of enthusiasm to hike, I have managed to hike the Angel's Landing and The Narrows in Zion NPS with my husband. I went on a solo hike to Tiger's Monastery in Bhutan. (It is a monastery that rests on a precarious cliff 10,000ft above sea level).
More recently, I went backcountry hiking to Havasupai in Arizona that involved over 64 miles of trails in little over 4 days.

I love food and trying out new cuisines but prefer my food to be spiced well. (blame my South Indian roots).

I believe that we live on this planet on borrowed time and it's our responsibility to take care of the planet by being environmentally conscious.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have heard tonnes of good things from people who have Couchsurfed before and this reaffirms my belief that local insights always add to the flavor of any travel experience. I love getting to know people and what better way than couchsurfing to meet new people on their home-turf.

Interests

• writing
• books
• poetry
• reading
• traveling
• hiking
• nature
• meeting new people
• travel writing
• travel sketching

Music, Movies, and Books

Books for me are portable magic and I just cannot pick a handful of favorites - there are way too many books that have stolen my heart. I read books from a variety of fiction specific genres (though not a fan of romance or YA novels) and try to keep them as geographically diverse as possible. It is my dream to read at least one book set in every country of the world - such an easy way to be transported to each of the countries, right ?

My choice of movies, TV shows and music is right now limited but I am always open to suggestions.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Sky-diving in O'ahu, Hawaii and holding a snake in my hand are the things on the top of my head right now.
Have scuba-dived and kayaked despite being a non-swimmer. ( I am trying to learn to swim to get over my fear of drowning so that I can do these things all over again).

The northern lights in Alaska right when the clock struck 12 on my birthday.

Training and hiking to Havasupai covering over 65miles in 4 days carrying a huge ass backpack despite a knee injury.

EDIT : I backpacked solo in Bhutan and almost trespassed the King's office accidentally. Full *facepalm* moment story would have to be coaxed out of me.

Teach, Learn, Share

LEARN : I am always open to learning new things on the go.

SHARE : I can share a tonne of experiences from travels and otherwise. A long list of book recommendations from around the world. Some poetry if I am feeling brave enough.

TEACH : The basics of photography, handling a DSLR for the first time, editing photos on the phone using some latest apps, basic Indian cooking.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Conversations, smiles, anecdotes and tonnes of book-recommendations. I can cook a basic Indian meal or an elaborate one (with the help of YouTube) if someone is willing to try. I am willing to help around in the house and will clean up after myself.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Bhutan, Cuba, France, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore

Countries I’ve Lived In

India, United States