Hello, hola (:

I'm Graciela, a Mexican-American born and raised in Southern California. I'm a lighthearted, optimistic, fun, down to earth, hot cheetos loving girl. I smile with all my face :D lol I love to eat and it's also my favorite way of connecting with others. I haven't had many opportunities to travel the world yet but after finishing my Peace Corps journey in the Philippines I gained a deep yearning to travel and experience for myself the different cultures and way of living of this world. For this reason I'm traveling for 3 months, September-December 18.

As part of my job in Peace Corps Philippines, I worked in Cebu City under a non-government organization lying-in maternity clinic working with marginalized mothers and their babies. My focus was managing our HIV and Family Planning Programs. I’m passionate about social issues and working in the grass root level to ignite people to better serve their communities and the world. Now I’m a solo traveler experiencing the best things this world has to offer! And getting lost a lot lol

During these 3 months I’m traveling to 7 countries. Vietnam, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Spain, Philippines, and Thailand (in that order).

I’m currently in Italy. Endlessly eating lol trying to make some local friends and learn about the culture. Hoping CS will will.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As a volunteer I'm on a tight budget, so I want to save on expenses wherever I can. But I'm also a peoples person. I love to learn about others and their values, beliefs, and passions. Since being in the Philippines I have gained more confidence to get out there and experience the world even if it is just by myself. This will be my first time traveling in this degree. So I hope that through couchsurfing I can meet genuine and kind individuals who can further encourage and inspire this first time solo traveler to continue to learn about others and celebrate our humanity.

Interests

• running
• crossfit
• traveling
• socializing
• beaches
• art
• eating
• watching movies
• fun
• laughing
• dance
• going out

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Living in the Philippines for 2 years has given me so many amazing experiences. Here are a few: swimming with whale sharks, seeing dolphins in their natural habitat, visiting Palawan's underground river, and witnessing a mom deliver her baby and being able to cut the umbilical cord (I know amazing for some but not all lol).

Teach, Learn, Share

I love to dance but I'm no expert nor have I been trained professionally. I'm self taught (: I can dance salsa, bachata, merengue, and cumbia, all which originate from Latin America. I know the basics enough to teach that. So if you're feeling brave, I'd love to teach you. Hopefully, I too can learn new moves from your culture.

I know 2 languages and can teach them. Also, I'm a fan of energizers and icebreakers. I know quite a few and can teach and share them.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Laughs, good conversation, my bubbly personality, and stories. I'm also fond of Zumba! So if you're into that then we can share a Zumba session by watching some youtube videos (:

Countries I’ve Visited

Israel, Italy, Philippines, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Philippines