Hi there! My name is Helen, a 29-year-old video journalist originally from San Diego, California! I just lived in New York City working at CNBC for 1.5 years. I'm currently taking a sabbatical and about to tour the world, starting in the Caribbean! That's what a freezing cold winter in the concrete jungle will do to you - make you crave pristine beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters.

People have been full of opinions about what I should be doing aside from taking time off to travel the world. However, I personally feel that my life isn't worth living unless I see the world! Immersing yourself in a new lifestyle and culture gives you so much invaluable perspective about life, existence, and planet Earth.

I am a total nerd when it comes to nature and architecture! I'm the type of person who could stand there and stare at the same scenery or modern marvel for a long time, while everybody else has already moved on.

I also love meeting people. I'm quite known for my energy and outgoing nature!

I am also engaged to the love of my life, a Moroccan born filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California.

Find out more about me and my work as a journalist at helenjennifer.com

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm totally new to couchsurfing! Whenever I've traveled in the past, I've always been a "tourist passing through" for a couple days. While I technically still am, my approach to traveling is shifting toward wanting to immerse myself more in the local culture and lifestyle. I want to really slow down and spend more time in each place. I want to live the local life as opposed to taking a quick vacation and trying to visit all the landmarks as fast as possible so I can check it off my "list." I'm excited to meet people and have a more authentic experience!

Interests

• architecture
• photography
• traveling
• journalism
• beaches
• hip hop dance

Music, Movies, and Books

I love psychological thrillers when it comes to movies. My favorite movie of all time is Black Swan starring Natalie Portman. My other favorite films include V for Vendetta, Across the Universe, Chicago, Crazy Rich Asians, La La Land, and I'm sure there are more that I'm forgetting right now!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I wouldn't necessarily call it "amazing," but a recent video I made for CNBC where I tried working as a professional cat whisperer is pretty fresh in my mind.

Check it out if you'd like!

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/22/how-much-money-a-professional-can-make-in-a-day-pampering-spoiled-cats.html

What I Can Share with Hosts

If you ever come to visit Los Angeles or New York City, you will always have a place to stay. I am a very outgoing and energetic person and Iove to get to know new people, so hopefully friendship! I would also love to cook for you to thank you for your hospitality.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States