I was born in Pinar del Rio, Cuba and came to Miami, Florida as a kid with the rest of the '90s balseros. When I graduated from Florida State University in 2014, I decided to put off applying to graduate school or selling my soul to the 9-to-5, and chose to cultivate myself instead. So now I am moving to Madrid in September 2015 and hope to see as much of the world as I can. I can't escape my need for financial security, so I will be working as an English teacher for 10 months and trying to squeeze in little trips here and there. The search for travel buddies is ongoing. Ven conmigo! Hit me up when I get there, we can WhatsApp.

Aquí vengo, madrileños! Estaré en Madrid en Septiembre trabajando como auxiliar de conversación de Ingles. Vamos por un trago y ayudame practicar mi español, que mi vocabulario guajiro esta en candela! (I'm sure that paragraph is littered with poor grammar, but it's a testament to how much I need you guys.)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Many friends have had positive experiences hosting and surfing, so i figured why the hell not? Also, I'm poor, and your sofa sounds like all I need in this world right now.

Interests

Hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling--anything outdoors with a breathtaking view. I like watching live jazz/funk/indie/etc performances, drinking craft beer, going to community organized events, and finding the most unassuming and hidden corners of a city. I work out and read in my spare time, and I probably know too much about dogs.

• dogs
• cooking
• beer
• working out
• drinking
• traveling
• jazz
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• kayaking
• surfing
• snorkeling
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

Anything visually stunning and socially critical qualifies as a movie I like. Dr. Strangelove, Pulp Fiction, The Big Lebowski, The Brothers Bloom, Planet of the Apes (the '60s version),etc. I also really love animation and TV shows.

I'm trying to catch up on the hotshots of literature (Dostoyevsky, Vonnegut, Orwell, Hemingway, Tolstoy, Austen, etc). I toss in a George R.R. Martin book every now and then so that I can get my Game of Thrones fix. I'm going to be expanding my reading list to non-fiction soon, so if you have any suggestions, by all means share them with me.

I think my interest in music is fluid. I have found myself changing tastes often; one day its hip-hop, the next its indie, and then i'm listening to reggae or jazz. I'm not very committed to any genre. Lately I've been tuning into salsa and latin jazz stations.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I think this section is still under construction. Check back some other time.

Teach, Learn, Share

I try my best to live my life knowing that i know nothing. That said, I share my views very decidedly at times, but I am aware that my opinions are always subject to change in light of new information and/or persuasive arguments-- keep that in mind if I'm huffing and puffing in a debate. I can't help it, I'm hardwired for being assertive when I'm sharing my opinions! I'm Cuban, it comes with the territory. :) More than anything, I like to hear people's stories and opinions. I will pick your brain about serious and silly topics alike.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can help you practice your English if you'll help me practice my Spanish/French/whatever-it-is-you-speak.

I am always happy to contribute by cleaning and cooking when I am being hosted. I'll also gladly walk your dog :) Your generosity will not go unnoticed and I will do my best to show you my appreciation.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Cuba, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Sweden

Countries I’ve Lived In

Spain, United States