Hi, I'm Chris and I'm from the Pacific Northwest region of the States, currently teaching English abroad in Dalian, China. I haven't had the chance to do as much traveling as I would like, but I'm trying to travel as much as possible now because I like learning about other cultures, trying new foods, tackling new languages, and trying out new experiences. So far I've mostly traveled throughout the Americas, including: Canada, various states within the USA, parts of Mexico, etc.

Last year I moved to China and I hope to do more traveling within China and around the surrounding areas in the upcoming years. I'm not "fluent" in Chinese, but I hope to improve my language skills (not to mention improving my basic Korean and Japanese). I'm an American Born Chinese/Japanese mix, but I never learned much about my own culture growing up so I have a big interest in East Asia, it was my major in undergrad.

I like all kinds of music, from K-Pop to hip hop to metal and ska. Similarly, my taste in food is fairly eclectic, there are few things that I wouldn't consider trying at least once. About my taste in shows and movies, I'm interested in all sorts of things, but I enjoy comedy most of all. Books, I'm ashamed to say I've not read as many as I would have hoped by now, but I enjoy travel essays, science fiction, some fantasy, etc.

As far as traveling goes, I think the best motto is be flexible and go with the flow (that's also my life motto). There is nothing wrong with planning things out, but I try not to let it get it to me if things don't turn out like I planned, after all life can be unpredictable. Best to see the bright side of things and make the best of it, at least that's my opinion. I'm excited to travel more and make more friends around the world!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've yet to have a couchsurfing experience! However! I've heard great things from some of my more well traveled friends. Specifically, they told me about the warmth and generosity of some of the couchsurfing hosts they've met and it inspired me to check out what it's all about.

Interests

It's a bit obvious to say I like traveling, but I like to travel. I also like eating, cooking, reading, hiking, wandering around cities at night and listening to music/podcasts (don't mug me bro), learning about other cultures/languages, watching tv & movies, some comic book reading, a touch of video games, etc.

• culture
• books
• dining
• cooking
• trivia
• movies
• video games
• reading
• tv
• traveling
• podcasts
• music
• hiking
• teaching
• languages
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

I like all kinds of music, from K-Pop to hip hop to metal and ska. Similarly, my taste in food is fairly eclectic, there are few things that I wouldn't consider trying at least once. About my taste in shows and movies, I'm interested in all sorts of things, but I enjoy comedy most of all, especially some of more alternative/niche comedy (if you can call it that). I'd love to talk to you about your favorite comedy podcasts as well. Books, I'm ashamed to say I don't read as much as I'd like, but I enjoy travel essays, science fiction, some fantasy, etc (I recently read and enjoyed Slaughterhouse 5 and Why Androids Dream of Electric Sheep).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Many people don't believe me but I've been on the big screen! And I mean the big, BIG screen! When I was a kid I was cast in the original 98 IMAX film, Everest. I don't remember all that much about it as I was pretty young when I filmed it, but I'm on screen for probably a good 30 sec total? I was playing the son of one of the original climbers of Everest and my job was to light candles in a temple. Just an interesting bit of trivia about me.

What I Can Share with Hosts

My job as an ESL teacher means that I have experience in teaching various levels and ages of people English. I'd be happy to work with anyone who wants to learn some English. In addition, due to my training in ESL and teaching experience, while not fluent in Chinese, I have studied it for 4+ years, and living in China as well as classes means I have a decent understanding of the language, and I'd be willing/happy to share/teach some of that with you. I've yet to travel that much yet, but I'd love to share and talk about the places I've been, the places I want to go, and many other things related to travel.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, China, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, United States