CURRENT MISSION

My current mission is to continue expanding my world travels and to travel to Africa or Southeast Asia in 2018.

Hey CS! My name is Amir and I am first and foremost a people-person. Growing up around loving family members and friends has given me the hope and faith in humanity that makes me approach every day with a positive attitude and a true curiosity to interact with other people.

People describe me as disarmingly friendly, but I see it more as being interested in other cultures and experiences. I think CS is such an incredible movement, and I feel a lot of people are skeptical or scared of the concept. In my experience, seeing how many wonderful people are on this community makes me feel like I'm home with this community.

In my travels, my favorite moments have been sharing someone's space, including sleeping on their couch. People that accommodate you are truly the friendliest people on Earth, because they are helping to shield you from the cold and willingly give weary travelers a roof over their head.

As for me personally, I love trying new things. New food, new music, new social experiences, you name it! New ideas bring new adventures, and I am eager to share my experiences with the CS community. As someone with an international background, I really love interacting with people from all over the world, because of the perspectives that we can share.

In terms of dislikes/pet peeves/allergies, I am very reasonable. I like to eat many different foods and have no allergies. I do drink alcohol, but I enjoy drinking because of the social aspect of it. I really like animals, and if a cat or dog ends up on the couch with me, so be it! The extra warmth is welcome.

PHILOSOPHY

I believe that we should all strive for one thing in life: happiness. That may be cliche, but I once believed that achieving happiness was an unreachable goal. Today, I believe that philosophy is absolutely attainable.

When I feel down, I can pick myself up with the thought that things will get better, and with the realization that I am very fortunate and blessed to have a healthy life surrounded by healthy and positive individuals.

I feel that positivity is one of the best sources of energy, and I am certainly encouraged that all the people we interact with, our colleagues, our family, and our friends, appreciate that quality and want it in their lives.

Lastly, I believe that we as a society should never judge anything before we listen and understand to differing point of views. And even when your eyes are opened to something you do not know, it is no longer something which you judge, it is something which you learn and hold as part of your life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I interact with Couchsurfing by really believing in the project and being the best guest I can be.

In the future, I'm planning on moving in with a roommate who is very open and welcoming, so even though I'm listed as "Maybe," send me a message and we can work something out!

This unforgettable experience started when I was hosted by Howard (NYCLOFTDWELLER) who I believe has since disabled his account. I hope he is well, because his hosting and hospitality was amazing. I will forever be grateful to Howard for his wisdom, support, and his personality. Staying at Howard's house also connected me with other Couchsurfers, and I will always remember my time at that loft fondly.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

My first Couchsurfing experience in 2013 was incredible. Going into it, I was prepared for the cultural exchange and the chance to meet new people, but I never expected to connect in such a meaningful. My gracious hosts gave me an insight into traveling, but more importantly I connected with two other Couchsurfers, Tom and Namki, and we explored the city together. At the end of it all, I felt like I gained four new friends.

And in 2014, I had the best experience of my life. Going to Brazil for the World Cup, and staying with CS'ers. I encountered such generous, amazing, friendly hosts, that it made me very emotional during my trip. I feel like I gained lifelong friends, and still cannot believe how amazing this world is with such amazing people. I know I sound a bit too crazy, but I think about these amazing people I met during my time. I will forever remember my amazing moments in Brazil and will never forget the generosity I encountered.

Interests

In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching movies and discussing them with friends, cooking and sharing food, swimming and playing board games. I enjoy meaningful conversations and connecting with different cultures.

• animals
• pets
• cats
• dogs
• culture
• dining
• cooking
• chocolate
• modeling
• drinking
• politics
• movies
• board games
• chess
• reading
• traveling
• music
• soccer
• swimming
• world cup
• history
• political science
• science
• football
• lgbt

Music, Movies, and Books

In the last few years, I have been absolutely obsessed with the book series Game of Thrones. George R.R. Martin is such a wonderful writer for really challenging the conventions we hold true in books and movies, and reversing them. Often times this shocks us, but it also tells us that, in this world, patterns are not always the norm. After reading the first book in his series, I was not able to stop myself and finished all five. I cannot wait for his next installment.

I am still very interested in fantasy books, but am always interested in reading non-fiction and books on learning. Reading is a wonderful tool.

I am interested in a ton of movies, but I love love love foreign movies. Some of the best movies I have seen are foreign, and not to put down any movies made in the states (since there are a lot of great ones), but it's great to see other cultures use the medium of film to tell wonderful stories. I love all types of movies, but have recently been exposed to some wonderful documentaries. A random selection of some of my favorite movies recently:

-Burden of Dreams
-La Haine
-Le Samourai
-El Secreto de sus Ojos
-127 Hours

Music... wow! I can go on and on, but there is no genre I will not consider listening to. Rock & Roll. Traditional Irish folk music. Classical music. Heavy Metal. Film scores. World music. New Age. Indie.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One amazing thing that I did was live in Paris for four months. I moved in with my uncle and cousins, took intensive French courses in Paris, and lived a completely different and invigorating lifestyle that I will never forget. While I was in France, I also had the opportunity to rent a car with a close friend of mine to tour different areas of France, and really felt that it was the most eye-opening travel experience I ever had.

And it must be said, eating the food was wonderful! My aunt and uncle moved to France from Iran, but they integrated into French society very well, and they made me some traditional French dishes that really made me feel that I lived there. I had raclette and moules-frites and ate chocolate croissants on a DAILY basis.

I also cherished the opportunity to be a role model for my cousins, and look forward to the day they grow up enough to live with me in the United States for four months.

Teach, Learn, Share

Through many years of hearing my grandfather explain Iranian politics and history, in addition to my 8 visits to Iran, I will share anything and everything there is to know about Iran and Iranian culture. In fact, I can even cook a few Iranian dishes for you! Nothing fancy, but I'll make sure you try Iranian food if you have not before.

I got my degree in political science, and have a lot of background with researching, so I would also be able to offer homework help, college advice, and I can even teach you how to play chess! I once taught chess to elementary school children, and would be eager to apply the same knowledge or play a couple of games with you.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am a willing dishwasher! I find it therapeutic and enjoy the activity, so helping you clean is the least I can do.

If you ever need advice traveling to the US, especially California, I am more than happy to help. If Iran is in the cards for a visit, I can connect you with the ultimate travel consultant who will happily help you understand the best way to experience the country.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Iran, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, United States

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