Hey there!

My name is Daniel and I'm a native San Diegan (San Diego, CA) but I also grew up in Los Angeles so I'm pretty familiar with both places. I've always been obsessed with learning about the world and different cultures since I could remember.

My TL;DR story is that that after I graduated college (Cognitive Science and Linguistics major here, yeeee!), I went on a 6 year trip around the world where I lived in places like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Spain, and Mexico. During that time I did a mix of studying Chinese and Spanish, teaching English at various levels, and completing a masters program in Cognitive Neuroscience. Reflecting on that time, I've been super fortunate to meet amazing people.

Now I'm back in the US living in Austin, TX! I work as a user experience researcher which allows me to combine my research skills with passions I have for education and technology.

My free time looks like me reading a new book, playing a fantasy video game (currently playing Elden Ring), going on a hike, swimming or lifting at the gym, or planning the next potluck with a group of my friends.

我为什么加入 Couchsurfing

I think Couchsurfing is a great way to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds. I enjoy the fact that the community is relatively open and kind. I've met so many amazing couch surfers throughout my travels. Many of these instances have widen my perspective on life which I'm greatly appreciative of!

兴趣

Hiking/backpacking: I like to consider myself an avid hiker. I feel that being in nature can detoxify the mind and body by means of alleviating stress, and also puts us into perspective. I mean and come on, who doesn't like spectacular views?

Cooking: I usually cook for myself every day, so I'm open to learning new techniques and recipes.

Meditation: This is a hobby of mine, one that I sadly don't practice as much as I should. In the past, I've used more traditional methods such as simple breathing techniques.

Swimming: I love water and the feeling of being weightless.

• cooking
• recipes
• yoga
• meditation
• traveling
• socializing
• hiking
• backpacking
• swimming
• languages

音乐、电影和书籍

Music Genres - Shoegaze, Dreampop, Ambient, Progressive Trance, Indie, Metal, Deep House, something Gothy too!

Current favorite bands: TR/ST, Cocteau Twins, Twin Tribes, Beach House, Animal Collective

Books - In terms of genre I enjoy classical literature, philosophy, science (non-fiction), and sci-fi. As a language nerd - I also like reading books in Spanish and Chinese - so open to any recommendations!

Check out my GoodReads' account: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/41681340-daniel

我做过的一件不可思议的事情

I planted 8 mandarin trees as a symbol of good fortune in a Hong Kong Buddhist monastery for Chinese New Years.

I missed my last train in Shibuya, Tokyo and spent the night out with some wildly friendly Canadians who took me to a Santa party.

I met the cast of Finding Nemo while scuba diving off an island (蘭嶼) in Taiwan.

Stay up all night with some local drag queens in the Philippines who made sure I got home safe.

When skinny dipping in Thailand during a thunderstorm (not safe at all) .

教，学，和分享

Languages! Recipes! Stories! Laughs!

我可以与沙发主分享些什么

I can share travel stories, my salsa tatemada recipe, my languages, and a general good time!

我游览过的国家

Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand

我居住过的国家

Hong Kong, Mexico, Spain, Taiwan, United States