I've been traveling non-stop through Southeast and South Asia since January 2015, so far visiting 16 countries. I'm here because I want first-hand experience in this region, which until now has been so unfamiliar to me. Not only am I interested in fun, culture, and sightseeing, but I want to better understand extreme poverty here because it's my life mission to build a business benefiting at least 100 million poor people.

Before my trip, I spent June 2013-October 2014 living in and running a business called Favela Experience (http://favelaexperience.com) I founded in Brazil's biggest favela community. Favela Experience offers culturally immersive accommodation for travelers in Rio de Janeiro's favelas to generate opportunities for marginalized favela residents. You can learn more from our crowdfunding campaign (http://igg.me/at/worldcup) and a Forbes article (http://onforb.es/IPTC9W) about me.

Overall, I've worked, studied, and volunteered for three years in Latin America since 2008, mostly in Brazil and Chile. Originally I'm from Los Angeles, California, but I went to university in Charlottesville, Virginia.

I'm very open and outgoing, and I enjoy people who are too. I also think unconventionally and lead an unconventional lifestyle, so I may challenge you, and I invite you to challenge me. To avoid any uncomfortable misunderstandings, I need to be clear that I'm heterosexual/straight, but I'm not seeking sex through Couchsurfing.

While traveling, I'm most interested in food, culture, and oddities. Also, I'd be grateful if you introduce me to your family and friends. For hosts or anyone who wants to meet, know that I don't drink, smoke, or do drugs (but it's fine if you do). Finally, for hosts, please let me know if you keep cats inside your home because I'm allergic.

Facebook: http://facebook.com/elliotrosenberg

Instagram: http://instagram.com/ehrosenberg

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ehrosenberg

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I want to have meaningful interactions with locals to better understand their cultures and make friends across the globe. Staying in someone's home is wonderful insight into how s/he lives, but meeting (without the homestay element) can be just as fulfilling, so I'm open to both experiences.

Interests

Social Enterprise, Wellness, Veganism, Food, Personal Development, Technology, Travel

• cats
• culture
• dining
• running
• drinking
• technology
• traveling
• business
• sightseeing

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: comedy, drama, action; Music: hip hop but not very picky; Books: personal development

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I once shut down the longest tunnel in SE Asia and didn't end up in jail or paying bribes.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: I know a lot about travel hacking, the practice of getting free flights, hotels, cash, and other perks, but that's unfortunately mostly applicable to only people in the US. Also, I'm happy to help you learn language skills in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste (East Timor), United Kingdom, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Brazil, Chile, United States

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