I'm Irlada (or you could call me "Ice") a Thai-Singaporean who seeks to see the world in news ways that I haven't before through taking in the essence of new cultures and their people.

2015 marks a special milestone in my life as I have finally travelled beyond the Asia-Pacific region! Don't get me wrong, I love Asia, especially Bangkok and Singapore where I grew up. But this might be one of the few times in my life that I can culturally shock myself crazy to test the limits of my intercultural competence.

Rather than crossing things off a bucket list (and because checklists and I don't go together), I'm just hoping to do and experience things that I might not have the freedom to when I enter the workforce. The perfect scenario would be that I get a job in advertising that would let me dabble in creative work and linguistics, while allowing me enough free time and annual leave to work with a regional NGO to help improve English literacy in rural areas in the region, especially in Thailand. Which I know sounds too good to be true. I do hope to eventually find something that balances both my professional and humanitarian interests well enough for me to get by happily though. :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've had the joy of hosting many friends in my little apartment in Bangkok during semester breaks and this might have been written a million times on CS but it's true that the locals know their territories best. I could read a million food and travel blogs or get recommendations from trusted family and friends who have visited the destination before, but I don't want to entirely follow that template itinerary.

CS-ers seem like an open-minded bunch with lots to share so I'd love to hear stories about your state/district/city/town/house/family/dog/cat/whatever. Also feel free to suggest things that are considered completely normal in your culture that might make me uncomfortable, but not in any way creepy or life-threatening please.

Interests

Linguistics, advertising, LGBTQ studies, social media, web design, fitness, Lomography, Thai culture, and... LEGO.

• cats
• dogs
• culture
• design
• documentaries
• perfumes
• dining
• cooking
• fitness
• news
• traveling
• communications

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have a slight inferiority complex because I am surrounded by amazingly talented people but if there's one thing worth mentioning, it would be that I've directed and co-produced, "Heart of Hearing" a documentary to raise awareness about the deaf culture in Singapore as a final project when I was studying mass communication in 2011.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Cook you some Thai food (warning: I am an amateur in the kitchen but rest assured as I've been getting positive feedback)! I can also tell you more about both Singapore and Thailand, teach you some conversational Thai, and share my experiences growing up between Singapore and Thailand.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Singapore, Thailand