Hi there! My name is Imani, and I’m traveling long-term with my significant other John. We got bored with our typical post-college lives in the Washington, D.C. area, and wanted an exciting adventure that we could feel passionate about. So we started a travel planning business, to be able to live more freely and do what we love while helping others explore the world as well!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love meeting people while traveling, but sometimes it’s difficult to meet people who actually live in the area instead of just other tourists. Traveling for me isn’t just about seeing cool sites, but about trying my best to fully immerse in the culture and learn about what it’s like to live in that location. Now that I’m taking the time to experience long-term travel - where I don’t have to make set plans and run through the “top 10 lists” within a week of PTO - I want to seize the opportunity to give Couchsurfing a try! I’m excited to meet more locals to learn more, exchange ideas, and have fun!

Interests

• poetry
• dancing
• nightlife
• music
• hiking
• long-term travel
• adventure travel
• food
• learning new things
• exploring
• meeting new people
• cultural exchange
• art museums
• slow travel
• trying new things

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I love all types of music. Many people I know say “I love everything besides country”. I even love country! My only requirement is that it’s good, which of course is subjective. But it doesn’t have to be a particular “genre” by any means. Sylvan Esso is probably my favorite band, so maybe “alternative” is my favorite genre, but I also love hip hop, pop, edm, Latin pop, classical, folk, jazz. Anything. Especially if I can dance to it!

Movies: Nothing in particular comes to mind as my “favorite” movie. There’s so many good ones and it depends what I’m in the mood for. I’m always down to watch Anchorman though!

Books: I’m a nonfiction fan - recent books I’ve enjoyed (or at least learned a lot from) include The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van de Kolk, M.D. and Far from the Tree by Andrew Solomon.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Depends on who you ask! I’ve been skydiving and I know some people think that’s amazing, but it didn’t take any real work or thought to do. I think creating a temporary performance arts group in college was pretty amazing. Getting people on board with my crazy ideas and actualizing them is exciting. Starting a business as well has been amazing, for similar reasons.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am a completely open book. I’d be happy to answer any and all questions about what it’s like to live in the USA as a black woman from immigrant parents. I’m happy to talk about my beliefs, goals, worries, and influences, and listen to my host about theirs. I’m also happy to serve as a going out buddy, since I love to dance and see what the nightlife is like in other countries!

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Greece, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States