ABOUT ME

I have a funny sense of humor and I am an open-minded, optimistic person. Very well-educated. I graduated from UCLA with two degrees--one in International Development and another in Political Science. I can have an intellectual conversation with you on just about any topic. I am also very adventurous, as well as artistic (I do photography, film and I used to draw, paint, and sculpt). My personality is laid-back and I enjoy people's company.

I love the city I live in and here are some breath-taking videos that illustrate the beauty of San Diego:

https://vimeo.com/63804783

https://vimeo.com/113168936

If you have any questions about me, feel free to message me. Here is also a link to my Facebook (it's on private, but you can add me): https://www.facebook.com/baha.eman

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am extremely passionate about travel and I believe traveling makes the world a better and more peaceful place because the experiences we gain from travel and meeting people around the world better us and open up our world. I have friends all over the world and nothing is quite like connecting with people internationally.

Interests

I like to talk to people from different countries when I visit to learn about their lifestyle, the way they feel living in their country, the way they feel about the world, what they are interested in, etc. On my own, I like to read a lot of world news and I do photography and film too. I especially enjoy doing travel photography professionally. Additionally, I am passionate about hiking, backpacking, and camping. I feel very happy when I am out in nature and in the wilderness.

Other interests and hobbies include business, investment, real estate, architecture, interior design, video games, watching movies, sports [basketball, football (soccer), boxing, muay thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), wrestling], cycling, the list goes on.

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Grateful Dead, The Doors, Tupac, Biggie, Jay-Z, Nas

MOVIES: Casablanca, Good Will Hunting, Diarios de Motocicleta, Pride and Prejudice, City of God, The Imitation Game, The Notebook, 500 Days of Summer, Pirates of the Caribbean series, American Hustle, Inglorious Basterds, Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Django Unchained, The Last Samurai, A Beautiful Mind, Garden State

BOOKS: The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, The Catcher in the Rye

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Motorcycling across Vietnam with an ex-gangster as my guide.

Lying down on a tiger at a reserve in Thailand.

I once scuba dived in the Mediterranean sea by a sunken airplane and saw a turtle that was around 2 meters (6.6 feet) and over 200 kilos (440 lbs).

I also skydived from 3,000 meters (10,000 feet on the border of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm interested in learning about other peoples' cultures and lifestyles. Part of what makes me enjoy Couchsurfing is that I get to befriend people who I otherwise would not get the opportunity to forge friendships with.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I have been all over the world (you can see my list of countries I have been to below) and I have made many friends around the globe. I know what it's like to be a backpacker/traveler wanting to meet locals and wanting to experience a new place. I know what it's like to land somewhere unfamiliar and not know what to do and where to go. I live in a nice neighborhood on a hill, close to the beach and a lot of cool things around San Diego. I also have a car usually and know San Diego very well, since I grew up here.

I'm sure the question of transport comes up, so I wanted to add this little bit. Here is the address you would be staying at (Corte Jardin Del Mar, 92130), and yes, there is public transportation between here and downtown San Diego and near there, where most of the major attractions are. I live in North County of San Diego, which means I happen to be in a more upscale area with several gorgeous beaches and hiking trails nearby.

If you stay with me, I will be happy to hang out with you for a half day or all day or even let you go on your own if that's what you prefer. I must say though, I am not interested in hosting someone who just wants to have a free place to shower and crash. I do this with the expectation of getting to know my CS and forming some kind of friendship.

I enjoy simple things like hiking, going to the delicious taco shops here, and doing just about anything in San Diego. I am very open-minded, so if you like to hike, we can hike; if you like to try new food, I'll try it with you; if you want to go to the zoo/safari park, I'll take you; if you want to go to the beach, I'll take you; if you want to relax and watch a movie, I will watch a movie with you; I am open to just about anything.

Please do not ask to stay with me if you just want a place to crash. I am interested in hosting people who have a genuine desire to spend time with a local and get to know the city.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahrain, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Palestine, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States