CURRENT MISSION

I just returned from a 6-month solo backpacking adventure through Africa and Europe, and now that my wandering days have been put on pause for a bit, I'm looking forward to hosting in my city. I love teaching and learning about other cultures and lifestyles throughout the world, sharing traditions, stories, food, and laughs. I speak Spanish fluently from being an exchange student in Spain at the age of 16 and from my first backpacking trip through a dozen Latin American countries with my sister a couple years ago. I studied KiSwahili in the university, though my vocabulary is not good as I had little practice during the 5 years prior to finally experiencing East Africa firsthand.

ABOUT ME

I am passionate about environmentally-sustainable development, particularly within food and agriculture systems. My soul thrives through music. I love being outdoors--kayaking, hiking, yoga--and meeting new people to embrace all the beautiful diversity this earth has to offer! I am a very happy, optimistic person overall, and I enjoy helping others however possible through creative collaboration.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

So far, it's been an amazing way to get to know locals and fellow wanderlust global brethren, making new friends, finding the best spots in new places, and sharing authentic and unique cultural experiences.

Interests

Music, cooking, being active and outdoors, learning new languages and skills, reading, teaching, nature.

• dining
• cooking
• baking
• yoga
• reading
• music
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• backpacking
• kayaking
• agriculture
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

I played trombone for 10 years, so I love ska and jazz, as well as reggae, motown, funk, Spanish rock, alternative, house, anything I can dance to...there is truly a music for every mood, and I LOVE it!

Books-- I enjoy reading short stories and poetry since they can easily fit into a busy life. Favorite authors include Martin Luther King Jr., Kurt Vonnegut, Ernest Hemingway, Carlos Luiz Zafon, Shel Silverstein, Bill Watterson...and I'm always happy to hear of a new author from others!

Movies-- I love foreign films, documentaries, and independent films because they intrigue and challenge the mind. I also always enjoy a good comedy.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Amazing or ridiculous? Life seems to provide me with equivalent opportunities of the two, so here's one of each~

Amazing: living in the Costa Rican jungle for a month and the very remote Mexican forest for a few weeks. Bathing in the Caribbean, baking in a solar oven, learning to use a machete like a boss, and more!

Ridiculous: unknowingly sneaking into foreign countries illegally on three separate occasions. The best story begins with navigating through a massive street market in Ecuador only to emerge and notice all the flags are now Peruvian and a border crossing is nowhere in sight. The hours that followed were absurd.

Teach, Learn, Share

Yes! Everyday is a new opportunity for all of these :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

Laughs, random knowledge, puns, and stories from wild adventures in different regions of the world, songs, games, a lending hand, great memories, and a loyal friendship.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Namibia, Peru, Portugal, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, Uganda, United Arab Emirates

Countries I’ve Lived In

Spain, United States