CURRENT MISSION

To share as much as I know about Cancun with as many people as possible

ABOUT ME

When meeting new people, specially from out of town/country the one question that always pops up is "So where are you from". People look at me funny when I tell them I do not know where I am from. Let me explain a bit better.

I was born in Chicago, and at age 5 moved to Mexico City. Then at age 13 we moved to Tijuana BC Mexico. At age 15 we moved to San Diego. When I was 23 I moved to Miami, and now that I am 33 I moved to Cancun. My dad is Mexican, and my mom is Cuban. Now, where would you say I am from?

PHILOSOPHY

Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself! Understanding that different cultures have different points of view is the key to making the most when visiting a new country/culture.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

At the moment I am "couch surfing" my fathers spare room here in Cancun, so I am not able to host anyone at the moment (that is soon to change). Although I do not have a couch to offer, I am eager to meet new people from all over the world. I can meet up with you for a coffee or beer, and give you some great tips. Also if I do not have any other arrangements I could take you to some off the path spots here in la Riviera Maya that will take your breath away.

I am in touch with a large group of couch surfers here in Cancun that might be able to offer you a place to stay. In addition my cousin has a travel agency, and I can also help get great deals in Hotels and time shares for rent.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

My experience with couch surfing is limited. I hosted 3 people while living in Miami. I also was able to find a great host in Cali Colombia via couch surfing.

When I try to convince people to join couch surfing, I always make it a point to explain to them that it is not a "free hotel" service. Couch surfing is much more. It is a great way to make friends, and explore a city as a local as opposed to a regular "tourist"

Interests

I love traveling and photography. This is why I am starting my own business ( CancunWithMe.com ).

I already know Cancun and la Riviera Maya relatively well. One of my pet peeves is when tourists come to Cancun and get "trapped" in la zona hotelera because they are scared to venture out.

I plan to sell personalized itineraries, with detailed instructions on how to get around the city. I also will sell my services as a personal Tour Guide/Photographer/Driver and even a cook.

I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT I DO NOT PLAN TO SELL MY SERVICES TO COUCH SURFING.

As a couch surfer feel free to contact me, and I will happily give you free information/tips. If I do not have a client while you are here, I would happily drive you around and take you to some great places. If I have clients, and extra room in the car, and my clients don't mind if a couch surfer comes along I wouldn't mind taking you along with us.

In a nut shell, my paying customers will always come first, but I am willing to help out and do as much as I can to make sure couch surfers make the most out of their trip to Cancun/Rivera Maya.

• pets
• culture
• photography
• cooking
• beer
• coffee
• traveling
• surfing
• business
• tourism

Music, Movies, and Books

I hate reading! Oddly enough only 3 books I have read in the last 5 years have been photography how to books. I enjoy all types of music except country and classical.

One thing I recommend to couch surfers is to make a handful of CDs with music you enjoy in your country, and while visiting a new place give those CDs as gifts. I have found some great music this way :) Music I would have never heard otherwise.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The most amazing thing I have seen is my son about 3 minutes after he came out of his mother! The sensation I felt I can't put into words.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have way too many tips to list here. I invite you guys to visit my page www.CancunWithMe.com and click on the "free tips" section (page not up yet, feel free to email me if the list is not there yet).

Also, if someone is hosting you try to inconvenience as little as possible. Also use common sense and don't be a free loader. For example if a host drives you all over town, when he/she pulls into a gas station offer to pay for the gas at least once. I do not mean you have to pay ALL YOUR HOSTS expenses (in fact most wont allow you) but do make it a point to let your host know you do not expect them to take care of all your expenses while you are with them.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Colombia, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Venezuela

Countries I’ve Lived In

Mexico, United States

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