Hello / Saludos / 你好！I'm Charles (however I also go by C.J.)! I'm a recent graduate originally from the Motor City of the USA. I've lived in Chicago, IL for about the past ~4 years with periods in between living abroad in both China and France XD!

You can never really judge a book by a cover, so here are few words from the pages of my lyfe to help you get a better idea of me, I'm a: humanist ; lover of music, travel, nature, and deep conversations; creative; nomadic ; queer (member of the LGBTQ+ community); linguist; artist; actor; self-taught photographer; educator; lyfe-long learner; 420 enthusiast; spiritual; social justice advocate; improvisionist (I think I made up this word? Haha); and a global citizen that loves to meet like-spirited people :)

A nomad at heart, but also looking forward to move out to Los Angeles in the near future! :D

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To continue meeting like-spirited folk, share stories, and learn about other world travelers' perspectives of lyfe (yes, lyfe). :-)

Interests

• animals
• performing arts
• photography
• acting
• music festivals
• working out
• reading
• traveling
• music
• beaches
• parks
• food
• cultures
• learning languages
• inspiring people
• dance
• social justice
• biking
• ocean
• conversation
• gym
• learning
• creating
• consciousness
• sunsets
• intellectual conversations
• 420 friendly

Music, Movies, and Books

Music (so many favoritessssss & songs in diff. languages!):

Masego ; FKJ ; Childish Gambino ; J. Cole ; Cardi B. ; Rudimental ; Mc Livinho ; Cashmere Cat ; Chance the Rapper ; Sango ; Cro ; DJ Snake ; Diplo ; Major Lazer ; LSD ; J. Balvin ; Ibeyi ; Hippie Sabotage ; Alina Baraz ; Odezsa ; GoldLink ; Croosh ; SZA ; Liniker ; Russ ; Donnie Trumpet ; Marian Hill ; Jaden Smith ; Mura Masa ; Snakeships ; Smino ; Doja Cat ; IAMDDB ; Jacob Banks; JJ Lin ; 頑童Mj116 ; Leo王； J. Sheon ; Stromae ; Maitre Gims ; Ben L'Oncle Soul ; Kerry James ; Bigflo & Oli ; Gael Faye ; C. Tangana ; Agorazein , Kali Uchis ; Jessie Reyez ; Saad Lamjarred ; Hamza Namira ; Mashrou Leila ; etc.

Favorite Movies (to name a few):
The Dark Knight
Eagle Eye
The Great Gatsby
Inception
Dr. Strange
The Grey

Books:
Pedagogy of the Oppressed
The Alchemist

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I tent camped and attended a weekend long music festival on the Great Wall of China!
Also I lived, studied, and worked in three different countries by myself before the age of 21! Alhamdllh :-)

Teach, Learn, Share

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. ” —— The Alchemist

-Can share my travel stories about living in Chicago, China, and France!

- Can do a language exchange :D

- Can share Lyfe wisdom

- Could also go explore hidden gems in the city together (or even go rooftopping / photoshooting together, one of my fav. lil hobbies)!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Great conversations!
Positive vibes!
Share stories of travel and perspectives on lyfe and the world!
Stillness/quiet, when needed. Namaste. :)

& Maybe even a celebratory "thank you" drink (on me)!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Taiwan, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, France, United States