CURRENT MISSION

I'll figure it out when I get there.

ABOUT ME

Hi, My name is Lana. I live with my son, 20. I work full time for a large law firm in downtown Nashville. Although work takes up a lot of my time, I still try to "live" by enjoying the simple things in life. Having meaningful conversations over good food with good people is one of the things I love to do.

I was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to the US when I was 17 years old. I feel like I know the best of both worlds -- coming from a collectivist society and incorporating the good from that society, into an individualist society. I love to talk about the contrast between the two cultures. :)

My son loves to inquire about people's travels so expect him to have all kinds of questions regarding that. He also likes to discuss current events and politics.

PHILOSOPHY

People are innately good.
We are not accidents.
One of my favorite clips:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qen5IQUOFM4

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I host quite a bit. However, I am not the Energizer Bunny either. I'll interact with my guests usually at dinner; before bed; or if we're out and about (of course). Do not expect me to be in your face all the time; and vice versa. Mi casa su casa, so help yourself in the kitchen, etc.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have hosted many people from many parts of the world. Every person has taught me something new / given me insight that I would not have been able to obtain had I not had an open mind. The couchsurfing experience opens you up to gain new perspective and learn something from every person you host/surf with, and it is also the reason why I love this project.

Interests

I feel more awake and alive when I can marvel at something new or different. I even like to travel to little towns and eating the local food. I also like to go to the places I've seen in my favorite movies. I think it's really neat to be able to say "I was there!"

Most of all, I love to hear about the real life stories of people's adventures. I also enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes. It is always fun to cook and dine with friends/family. There is a great degree of warmth in that very simple experience, I think. Concerts and the symphony are also on the list.

Oddly enough to some I'm sure, I love dancing in my living room!

• concerts
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• recipes
• politics
• movies
• traveling
• law

Music, Movies, and Books

Anthony Bourdain's books. He's got the best job in the world. I like the self help books too. There's always opportunity for growth.

Skynyrd, Tom Petty, the Eagles, Damien Rice, John Mayer, Beethoven. I love BB King's Blues Bar and Bourbon Street Blues Club and Boogie bar, and the singer/songwriter venues. I like all types of music genres except country (I know, I know ... it hurts my ears!)

Movies: Closer, Black Swan, Forrest Gump, Green Mile, Fools Rush In, My Cousin Vinny, The Breakup.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'll save this for our meeting! :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Spain, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Philippines, United States