I am a professional urban designer and planner, with a specialization in the planning and design of urban public spaces, such as squares, plazas, parklets, promenades, and shared streets (ask me what a "shared street" is sometime!)

After I finished two master's degrees and travelled two years through Scandinavia, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand, I returned to San Diego where I grew up. I have relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, for a position with the City in their Planning department!

I am an energetic and generally positive person who likes to have fun. I am into drinks and conversation, checking out live music, DJs, dancing, and other cultural pursuits, however, I also love quiet conversations over coffee or a drink. I consider myself emotionally mature, considerate, friendly, and communicative. My friends are all ages.

I consider myself a minimalist since I value experiences and relationships over material things. My goal is to have as many life experiences as possible throughout the world. My mind is wide open, and I am kind and desire peace within myself and with others.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love learning from a local. I want to find the things I would not find myself. I love to be shown around their city on foot and explore every cool nook and cranny.

I love making new friends in new places, having deep, stimulating conversations.

Interests

I'm into beautiful landscapes, architecture, historic city centers, good food and drink, live music, and occasional forays into nature.

Active pursuits are hiking, surfing, cycling, racquetball, tennis, frisbee golf, and ultimate frisbee.

• theater
• architecture
• wine
• cocktails
• wine tasting
• fitness
• happy hour
• movies
• live music
• cycling
• hiking
• backpacking
• surfing
• beaches
• urban exploration
• nature
• watching movies
• stargazing
• theatre
• health
• cities
• conversation
• ultimate frisbee
• stand up comedy
• comedy
• deep conversations
• urban planning
• landscape architecture
• landscapes
• cafès
• longevity
• big cities
• exploring cities
• urban design
• fitness training

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite movies range from foreign films to science fiction. I'm all over the map with that.

As far as reading goes, I'm deep into literature that supports writing my thesis. Yet when I have time, I'm really into historical fiction novels, particularly those by Ken Follet.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The most beautiful backpack trips I've ever done were in Kings Canyon National Park in the Sierra Nevada of California.

A trip to Andalucia, Spain was a wonderful and formative experience for me. It showed me that living life should matter more than personal ambitions in your career.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach technical geography, design, photoshop, illustrator, AutoCAD, and English.

I can also teach someone surfing, how to throw a frisbee well, and how to parallel park like a pro!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Sharing travel experiences, while treating my hosts to an afternoon or evening out at their favorite local places.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Mexico, Spain, Turkey, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Denmark, Italy, New Zealand, Sweden, United States, Viet Nam

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