I'm outgoing and love to learn from people everywhere I go. I'm inspired by healing, selflessness, and the courage demanded by authenticity.

Sober.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet unique and exciting people while traveling, and share in such a way that everyone's world is expanded.

Interests

I like learning about all kinds of things, cooking, drawing (esp. portraits), reading, and exploring new places. I particularly like hiking the high desert, hot springs, and Japanese food. My favorite music is Nigerian funk-pop, probably...I listen to all kinds of music, though. I'm trying to draw more.

• arts
• culture
• writing
• dining
• cooking
• recipes
• reading
• traveling
• drawing
• hiking
• camping
• teaching
• sociology
• volunteering
• wilderness

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: Paul Auster, Siddhartha, 1Q84
Movies: Daisies, My Life As a Dog, Billy Elliot, Henry and June, Koyaanisqatsi
Music: Shintaro Sakamoto, Chicano Batman, Tycho, Devendra Banhart, Pink Floyd, Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, The Band, Tinariwen, William Onyeabor.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've got two:

1) got sober (if you know me, this is indeed amazing)

2) traveled the western US volunteering on organic and permaculture farms, working for room and board (I used HelpX to plan my trip). On this trip, my partner and I spent two weeks managing the garden at a performing arts community in the mountains before something happened and we realized it was a patriarchal sex cult. We left in a hurry!

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm a tutor of Japanese and can help you get started, or just converse at whatever level! I've been involved in sociological research, environmental activism, permaculture and organic farming, and can talk at length on those subjects. I love to cook and share recipes of food from around the world (especially Thai, Indian, and Japanese cuisine), and am always excited to learn about other people's experiences.

I hand-blend my own herbal teas with fresh ingredients and spices every day, and I'd love to share these (as well as some BOMB smoothie recipes) with anyone interested!

I have learned a lot about plants, and deeply enjoy helping out in farm and garden spaces, as well as learning from those more knowledgable than I! I have great compost tips and can also probably diagnose your ailing houseplant.

I do sitting meditation in a style of Zen, and I'd be honored to share this practice with those who would like to join me. I don't do it every day, and I don't proselytize, so ask if you're interested in this.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Good vibes, portraits, massage and trigger point therapy, Japanese recipes and language lessons, help around the house, excellent hand-blended tea recipes and smoothies.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Japan

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, United States