I prefer staying in austere conditions than nice hotels or resorts. Big part of it is because I have a passion for disaster relief. I’ve created enough of my own disasters in life, so it is now time to give back.

I have volunteered and worked for several agencies that allow me to deploy to places I would never think about going.

I’m a lifelong learner (literally). Have been in school my entire life and still am in school (as a professor and student). I believe I can learn from anyone I meet, especially couchsurfer and hosts.

Instagram: @miscelaineouse

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have always used AirBnB when I travel, but I want to do something different and step out of that comfort zone. To be able to meet welcoming people who share the same passion as me is something I would love to experience.

My experience with Couchsurfing has been beyond words. I cannot explain the self-learning I've had, the feelings I get, when meeting the people and visiting the places. It has been nothing but amazing and I encourage everyone without a weak heart to do it.

Some things I have done with my host:
1. Biked around town to explore cities
2. Hiked and climbed to the top of mountains
3. Baked a cherry pie with my host (cherries were picked from his garden)
4. Shared conversations at lunches and/or dinners
5. Cooked Vietnamese food for my host
6. Went to a Renaissance Faire
7. Played board games
8. Flew a plane!!! (Twice)
9. Lived like an Amish (kinda)
10. Did the Honky Tonk
11. Started the Kentucky Bourbon trail

I always love bringing something from my city/sharing my Vietnamese cuisine with my hosts. So if there is anything in California I can bring before I visit, please let me know!

Interests

LEARNING.
Whether it is learning something new about myself, other people, another culture, or skill/hobby, I find it most satisfying when I push myself to learn. Although I am a full-time professor, I am and will always be a life-time student.

TRAVELING.
Most people find that weird/lonely/sad to travel solo, but I'm not like most people. I find solitude, comfort, vulnerability, and a spirtual connection when I travel alone in the wilderness.

HIKING
I recently discovered AllTrails, a Yelp Equivalent for finding hiking trails. I try to do a 10+ mile hike every weekend, whether it is out of the city, county, state, or country!

YOGA
After 15+ years of doing yoga, I finally became a certified yoga instructor. Despite that, I've yet to teach a class. One of my ultimate goals in life is to teach a yoga class for kids. Definitely on my bucketlist!

OUTDOOR
Scavenger hunting, geocaching, SPARTAN, climbing, running/jogging. Anything in the great outdoor.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Flew in a C17 (military plane), and flew a plane (as a pilot).

What I Can Share with Hosts

Company and a pair of ears.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Croatia, England, France, Honduras, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

England