Whoever and wherever you are, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Mateo.

Writing something like this is hard, even for a writer. I suppose the best place to start is with who I perceive myself to be, what I think my most endearing traits are, and anything else important enough to include so that you can get to know me, and I can get to know you.

I am on a journey, like you. I currently live in New York City, which I returned to in late 2018 after leaving my job in 2016 to travel, recollect myself, better understand what I'm doing and why I'm here, as well as to focus on writing. I spent 2.5 months in Central America, 2 months at my parent's home, 4.5 months in SE Asia, then a full year at my parent's home as I worked to hone my skills as a writer, the entire time consuming as much art as possible, spending more time with my family than I had since a teenager, learning, laughing, loving, being healthy, and trying to work through doubt, fear, anxiety, and everything else that comes when trying to fulfill a dream that isn't guaranteed.

Today, I am closer to my dream. I am not there yet, but I will be. I am traveling again, I am working with people across North America to teach them how to do a few of the things I've learned to do well, and I am excited, open-minded, and welcoming of all whose paths I have the opportunity to cross.

Hopefully this brief "About Me," did it's job, but, if you'd like to chat more, don't hesitate to reach out and say, "Hey," I believe we meet everyone for a reason.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askmateo/ | Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/askmateo/ | Website: http://www.mateowrites.com

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To connect, learn, experience, love, and try to share a bit of this beautiful life with people who have their own stories, dreams, successes, failures, anxieties, and joys.

I've Couchsurfed for years, and, for me, it's always been about community; about that look in someone's eyes when they see you for the first time and you see them for the first time. That first smile. First hug. First handshake. First laugh. First anything because there's something special in being able to connect with someone when it's too easy not to.

I am here to create moments with you, and hopefully you are, too.

Interests

Writing, traveling, hiking, different cultures, languages, reading, watching a good movie, breathing in good air, meeting new people.

- Writing what goes on inside my head and heart, whether in the form of novels, essays, or short stories
- Reading as much as possible
- Hiking difficult mountains, but also calm nature walks
- Learning about anything I don't know
- Sharing and receiving stories
- Languages, any and all
- Films that make my heart stop
- Deep conversations where people stop and say, "I don't know how we got here, or why we're going this deep, but I'm happy we are."

• writing
• reading
• traveling
• hiking
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Music

- Kendrick Lamar
- Nina Simone
- Boogie
- Kid Cudi
- Chopin
- Max Richter
- J. Cole
- J.I.D.
- Vince Staples
- Vic Mensa
- Buddy
- Otis Redding
- Glass Animals
- The Strokes
- Russ
- Mac Miller
- Kanye West

So many more, including the musicians I'm fortunate to personally know.

Movies, Books: this will take way too long, haha. Let's discuss in person or in a private message.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

A 10-day vipassana meditation on Java in Indonesia. Whew, it was intense, but, without sounding cliche, truly helped me better understand myself, my goals, and how to attain them all while being a better human.

Teach, Learn, Share

I want to learn as much as possible from you. What makes you happiest, saddest, where you come from, where you want to go, what you can do for hours without realizing time is passing, what makes your heart stop, what makes your blood boil, what you're most afraid of.

I can share with you my own stories. I can teach you whatever you're willing to learn and I am able to. Writing, startups, sales, freedom – still working on the last one, but making progress.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Good conversation, an extremely memorable time, and a little mischief.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, France, Guatemala, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Nepal, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Singapore, Thailand, Uganda

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, Tajikistan, United Arab Emirates, United States