I have always dreamed of traveling and meeting new people a long the way. I love exploring and doing more things. However, I am usually tied down locally. In a few months I will have the opportunity to travel long term, and I am very excited for it. I have friends who have had good experiences couch surfing and meeting locals. I am excited to finally be able to do the same.

Music is my love. I love local music released by local labels or private recordings. The type of music that is unfiltered and raw. 95% of the music I listen to is in languages that I do not remotely understand (but this doesn't stop me from singing along!) The incredible thing about music is that it is universal. Thing portrayed in art need no translation to be understood..

I enjoy being outdoors on day hikes. I love running as well. It is very therapeutic to just unwind and go for a nice run. No matter what stresses the day has brought about, running seems to ease all of that.

I don't drink or smoke...I'm vegan. I suppose I am a little boring in that I'm not a typical "party person."

I always have trouble with these "about me pages." It feels strange to think about myself in this regard. Especially since we're always changing as people. Each new experience, even the smallest every day moments, can have a monumental impact on your life. I'm hoping that this will be edited along my journeys with more of these changes in my life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am couchsurfing because I do not typically like the tourist things that everyone is supposed to do when they visit places. There are beautiful and incredible tourist spots, but it feels inauthentic most of the time. I want to experience the real aspects of places that locals are involved in. Not necessarily those catered to tourists. I want to really learn about the local culture from people who live in these places everyday. I realize that I'm starting with little to no references and experience as a couchsurfer, so I do not blame others for skipping my profile. However, anyone who would like to meet even for a quick lunch would be welcome :)

Interests

• running
• music
• hiking
• local history
• local culture

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite music: I enjoy music from South East Asia, Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, etc... However, even listing these places is still not very helpful, since each ethnic group that lives in these areas have a unique sound. I like a mix of traditional with new. I also love songs with the guitar.

I will be traveling around Northern Thailand and Myanmar. I hope to find older cassettes and learn about the history of the artists, the songs, and the climate of the recordings themselves. Particularly from the musicians active in the 1970s and 1980s

These are some of my favorite musicians and songs.

Nang Nang: https://youtu.be/cx3C2TjZdBQ
Sai Hsai Mao: https://youtu.be/h_at5Y8ggAU
Unknown artist, "Nar Merng Tai" https://youtu.be/sT1UEGUY3vA
Sai Htee Hseng: https://youtu.be/hznrinokCrA
Sai Moo (with Nang Kham Naun?): https://youtu.be/XU7jC3m7rK0
Sai Noom: https://youtu.be/1FbB0akSiak
Nang Seng Fuh: https://youtu.be/rnyoTNwvg_0
Sai Ngao Hay Luen: https://youtu.be/DoV6ExHIwmw
Khun Thar Doon: https://youtu.be/Toys8v0l1HY
Nang Tom: https://youtu.be/6WUFFssf3Nc
Khun Naing Oo: https://youtu.be/HcKzeztMfp8
Nang Kham Tin: https://youtu.be/zPnXZAJn2WM
Khun Kham Kroung: https://youtu.be/tXMtFCn2IEg
Nang Phin Sar: https://youtu.be/JH0WEjUekys
Khun Paw Rann: https://youtu.be/Jfb9GS83JK0?t=39m14s
https://youtu.be/xvn_fsfo1Tc
https://youtu.be/AWtN4cPdseU
https://youtu.be/rwwDo-2uQQI
https://youtu.be/ebLJs8nsl-8
Tai Dam song: https://youtu.be/7i6tQ3Tp8Dw
Hwm Hawj: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQBRcmGoidM
Lis Txais & Nkauj Qub: https://youtu.be/TYV3ZIelpOo
Ncaim Nco Joov - Lis Pov Ly Pao: https://youtu.be/FVRM6Pcj1I0
Lahu: https://youtu.be/X68HX8nkR_8 and https://youtu.be/6ttkuk80TrE
Ta'ang guitar song: https://youtu.be/4bkHeByzyU0?t=256
ลำเพลินบานเย็นขายเหล้า - บานเย็น รากแก่น (Molam): https://youtu.be/5L0QrpIxhpw
Meas Sokpa and Ken Sokha: https://youtu.be/-kIg7qfrKbo

Movies: I do not have much time these days to sit and watch films, unfortunately. Some of my favorite directors....Hou Hsaio Hsien, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Jonas Mekas, Tsai Ming Liang, Stanley Kubrick, Andrei Tarkovsky, Mani Kaul, Wang Bing, Kenji Mizoguchi, Yasujiro Ozu...to name a few

Books: I need to read more. Audiobooks are easier to listen to at work. Just finished Manly P. Hall's "The Secret Teachings of All Ages"

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hmmm...hard to say what would be considered "amazing." Hopefully I will be able to update this a long the way through my travels.

Countries I’ve Visited

France, Iceland, United Kingdom