Hi everybody! My name is Emmanuel and I recently finished college at UCLA where I studied sociocultural Anthropology and minored in Education Studies. I am currently backpacking across Europe because it has always been a dream of mine to travel, and now I can say that I am, for the first time, realizing this dream.

I would say that growing up I have always been a bit shy but I have always managed to put myself out there and take risks that have mostly been rewarding. I always go into something with an open-mind because my end goal is to learn a lesson or skill of value wherever I go, with the people I am with. I am constantly growing as a person and I want to welcome people in this journey of mine so we can all learn to better co-exist with one another.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I joined CS because it is a great way to gain first-hand knowledge and experience from locals around the world. As someone who studies anthropology, actively participating in a culture different than your own (going outside your comfort zone) is a way to expand your in-depth understanding of the people around you and the way they live!

The purpose of my trip is simple, and that is to see and experience life differently than I do back home. I believe travel really expands the way you start to think about life and its beauty through the people you meet along the way, each with their unique customs and traditions.

Interests

Hanging out with friends!

• music festivals
• cooking
• meditation
• reading
• music
• guitar
• history
• sightseeing
• food
• having fun
• good vibes

Music, Movies, and Books

I really enjoy all kinds of sounds. I especially enjoy classic rock and oldies from the 50s, 60s, 70s, alternative, grunge, hip-hop, indie, and rap from the 80s, 90s, and of new age music such as punk and EDM. I pretty much listen to everything and am always open to hearing new music!

I watch comedy, thriller, suspense, and mystery movies. As long as the movie has a good story line and catches my attention. I also enjoy watching documentaries as there is always something valuable to learn :)

Some of the most eye-opening non-fiction books I've read include those from author Dave Pelzer ("A Child Called It" series) and A Beautiful Boy by David Sheff. Of course, I also enjoy reading the occasional fiction such as J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. and Darren Shan's Cirque Du Freak and Demonata series.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hiked the Cinque Terre in the pouring rain!

Teach, Learn, Share

Some of life's most rewarding experiences are taught from life itself. It's our responsibility as humans to share them.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Anything from teaching english/spanish language, guitar lessons, to recipes, travel stories, and most important, amazing memories and good vibes.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States