We're currently travelling Southeast Asia for 5 months and then off to South Africa!

I (Baka) love travelling to meet people and learn about cultures that expand my horizons and take me out of my comfort zone. I've been a foodie since before there was a word for it - I'm always in search of the next great culinary discovery! I like to explore markets, watch live music, be near the water. People close to me say that I have a thirst for knowledge 8) I studied jazz music, languages and international business, and worked for an Urban Beekeeping company.

Epepe is my partner of 7 years, he's easygoing, a great dancer, and brings joy to everyone he meets - not to mention he is a talented professional chef! He has a life story best told in person :) Our common passion for African gastronomy led us to found Mokili, a pan-African restaurant, which showcases the diversity of African cuisines and cultures. We're currently

PHILOSOPHY

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.
- Albert Einstein

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've couchsurfed in Rio de Janeiro, Kingston, Mexico City and Santiago de Cuba and these experiences were the highlights of my travels! I love being able to discuss how things work in different corners of the world and why. I'm a language nerd, so there's no better way to learn about another culture than by understanding the language and expressions of those who speak it.

Interests

We're also interested in urban agriculture, minimalism, green/organic living and African music in general.

• singing
• festivals
• cooking
• recipes
• traveling
• music
• live music
• jazz
• agriculture
• business
• languages
• beaches
• street food

Music, Movies, and Books

BOOKS
Le pain nu by Mohamed Choukri
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay
Notes From my Travels by Angelina Jolie

MOVIES
City of God
Blood Diamond
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain

TV
Anthony Bourdain
Game of Thrones
Marvel series

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Baka - How to choose just one?! Taking my restaurant Mokili from conception to reality, singing at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, living and studying in Brazil for 6 months, couchsurfing with a dancehall artist in Jamaica and recording a song...life should be full of amazing moments!

Epepe -

Teach, Learn, Share

We're coming to South Africa in search of traditional recipes and cooking techniques for inspiration, as we plan to re-open our restaurant when we get back to Canada. So we'd love to meet people with a passion for cooking or eating great food and make or share a meal together!

What I Can Share with Hosts

We love to share stories, about back home, about our travels, about life...
If you've read up until now, you know we cook ;) Canada isn't famous for many foods other than poutine and maple-syrup - but we can cook something from our restaurant's menu or simply share kitchen tips (Epepe is a master kitchen organiser lol)

Countries I’ve Visited

Bermuda, Brazil, Cambodia, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Italy, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Brazil, Canada