Hello!

My name is Ilan. I'm a 26 year old student in Portland Oregon. I've always had the desire/passion of traveling, and want to see as much of the world as I possibly could. All while sharing experiences with others who look for something different than what they're used to.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've never been the type of person to want to stay in hotels when I travel. I don't go to a place to isolate myself. Hostels are nice, but they're full of other people who are visiting and don't know anything about the city they're in. Couchsurfing offers the chance to get to know locals, to fully immerse yourself in a new place, and gives you the chance to offer your host something as well.

Please don't message me if you're in Portland looking for housing, or here for work. That's not what this is for.

I'm more inclined to say yes if you're not from the US, but don't let that in any way stop you from trying.

Interests

So many things. I love hiking!One of my dreams is to hike across Norway, and hitchhike around Iceland. I enjoy good beer and dancing every so often, bike riding, getting lost, architecture, transportation & urban planning, active transportation activism.

• architecture
• dancing
• beer
• baking
• traveling
• cycling
• hiking

Music, Movies, and Books

Lately I've really been into artists like Timber Timbre, Oh Land, Stromae, MØ, Bloodgroup, Yelle, Local Natives, Disclosure, Modest Mouse, Drake, Kite String Theory, Capybara, Tennis, Courtney Bartnett

Books - Everything Is Illuminated, We, 1984. I've just started reading Murakami (Norwegian Wood) and am fascinated by his story telling. I love reading books on transport and urban planning as well.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I Drove across the USA by myself. I took a week, and just drove. I made several stops along the way to either visit friends or a new place. It doesn't sound like much, but it was honestly one of the best trips I've done in my life. I was in control, and could go where I wanted. Nobody fought me for the radio. Pure bliss.

Also, after years of talking about it, I went to Europe for the first time. 5 Countries, 5 weeks, visiting a few friends and making many more along the way.

Teach, Learn, Share

If you're interested in baking, I can show you some things.

If you're interested in learning Dutch or English, I can help you a bit with that as well.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm an amateur baker, and can bake you delicious baked good that you'll enjoy. I can offer you insight on where I'm from (Detroit) which I've met a lot of people who are genuinely curious about.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States