I am a Global Studies major at UCSB and love traveling. My family has got me hooked on world travel since I was 2 years old sailing around France and Italy. My goal with this site is to better understand other cultures, lifestyles, and philosophies by meeting (through hosting and "mooching") and getting to know the wonderful people of this world. I love dogs, music and nature and increasing my knowledge in these areas of expertise and more.

-I wrote the above ^when I first joined in 2012 and I think it’s cute so I’m not going to change it…

The only thing I’ll add is that it is definitely an overstatement that I am fluent in German and French, but I can totally get by and would love to have conversations in both of these languages! German level B2, French was about the same, but has severely deteriorated

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Making connections and maintaining relationships! Seeing the world! Paying it forward and accepting hospitality in return! Learning the ins and outs, day-to-day nuances of other cultures to spread awareness and respect for others! (Sorry was that too mushy? Nah! The world is small and we are all in this together! That one was too mushy maybe…)

Interests

I'm a rower... I do crew. I feel that I am so lucky to have found one of my passions so early on in life. I love going out to the lake everyday and my goal is to row in as many beautiful places around the world that I can. I am a competitive person but don't always show it and this is a fun way to fulfill this personal drive that I have.

• dogs
• cooking
• beer
• traveling
• music
• cycling
• fishing
• backpacking
• kayaking
• sailing
• skiing
• cliff jumping
• volleyball
• swimming
• rowing
• forestry
• hitchhiking
• mountains
• tea
• climbing
• boardgames
• environmentalism
• hammocks
• fire
• outrigger paddling
• nordic skiing

Music, Movies, and Books

Everything! I used to say I like everything besides rap and country music… but then had some fantastic moments with both genres and now I love everything! … maybe besides Kid Trap music… lol look it up, it’s hilarious, but terrible…

I’m randomly a big fan of Russian literature (War and Peace is my favorite book of all time) but also love grand fantasy. I typically read a non-fiction novel at the same time as I am reading a fiction novel. Keep things interesting.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I hiked the PCT! Pacific Crest Trail. 2,654 miles (4,265 km) from Canada to Mexico over 4.5 months. If I am lucky enough to meet you, feel free to ask questions, I’m sure you won’t be able to get me to shut up about this journey regardless XD

Teach, Learn, Share

I’ve been told I’m a renaissance man, i take that as a Jack of all trades but master of none haha. Maybe I’m a master of rowing, almost… but I’m fascinated by so many things and would love to learn and share knowledge with others.

My most marketable skills to share are:
Wilderness and Backpacking skills
Forestry and environmental theories/convos
Language!
A few songs on the guitar lol
Cooking! Being from California, I feel like I cook a lot of Mexican-ish style dishes but love anything…I really love to cook with new friends!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Good laughs, positive attitude, my dumb yet charming sense of humor, stories, cooking skills and recipes from home, always open for random adventures!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Fiji, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Virgin Islands, British

Countries I’ve Lived In

Czech Republic, France, Germany, United States