I am 26 years old visiting for the first time! I am very free-spirited and am love to explore new places and meet people from around the world as often as I can. I am traveling with my girlfriend Jan for this trip, so I have included her responses below!

Jan: I am a 23 years old and backpacking to Ireland for the first time! I am so excited about this experience to connect with a new place and the people in this beautiful city!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My favorite part about backpacking is meeting people from all over the world! Couchsurfing is one of the best ways to meet people from the area and learn about there culture. I enjoy getting to know people and hope to show them a little bit about where I am from as well.

Jan: I believe that having the Couchsurfing experience while traveling is the perfect way to fully immerse oneself in the culture! This would be a great opportunity to connect with those from all over the world and make lasting friendships! I would also love to invite those I meet abroad to my hometown and show them how I live.

Interests

I like to try new things and am very open to new experiences. I love going to music concerts, hiking, backpacking, homebrewing getting beers with friends, socializing, and ready to try anything new from the area!

Jan: I am an avid follower of all things trendy and fashionable. I LOVE to thrift for clothes, shoes, vinyl records, and all things vintage! I would describe my style as minimal but I believe an outfit is all about the details. - jewelry, sunglasses, or a purse can make the outfit! I also enjoy cooking, reading, listening to music, and crafting!

• culture
• fashion
• photography
• concerts
• cooking
• beer
• yoga
• happy hour
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• hiking
• backpacking
• wrestling
• biking
• netflix
• dive bars
• outdoor adventures

Music, Movies, and Books

I have a pretty broad taste in music, one of my favorite bands at the moment is Nathaniel Rateliff and the night sweats! I suggest giving them a listen. I watch more TV shows than movies typically, two of my favorites are Game of Thrones, and Shameless. Currently in dental school so I unfortunately don't have much time for reading anything but textbooks

Jan: My taste in music ranges from classic rock to electronic to blues! Ever since I got my vinyl record player, looking for vintage records, both new and old, has been one of my ultimate favorite hobbies. I hope to have an enormous collection someday! Some of my favorite vinyls I've collected include: David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, and James Taylor! Concerts are also my go-to. Any chance I get, you'll find me out on a Friday night at a concert! Currently, I am reading "Big Little Lies" and "You Are A Badass". Big Little Lies was adapted by HBO and created into a miniseries (if you love Nicole Kidman or Reese Witherspoon, you have to watch this show. and if not, well, still watch it). Right now, if I had to pick my favorite movie, I'd have to say "I Love You Man". I mean who doesn't love Paul Rudd?

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I wrestled for most of my life and spent my childhood traveling around the country for competitions. I was fortunate enough to wrestle for one of the top university wrestling programs in the country and I loved the experience.

Jan: I had the opportunity to travel to Alba, Italy for a month during my senior year of high school for a sister city exchange with my hometown of Medford, Oregon. I went with a group of students in my town, many of which were my great friends! I stayed with my host sister, Alessia, and her family in Alba and attended her school. During my trip, I was able to visit Rome, Venice, Pisa, and Florence. I spent Easter near the coast of Liguria and Nice, France. After the trip, my host sister was able to visit me in my hometown and I had the opportunity to showcase my life at home!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I hope to share my culture from my small town in America! I also think that I can provide good company and hopefully a friendship that will last a lifetime.

Jan: I am an avid cook and love to try new cuisines! I am always looking to try new restaurants in my city and wherever I go. Cooking for others and introducing them to new foods is one of my favorite hobbies. One of my favorite things to cook is Italian food! You can say I am also an avid Happy Hour goer! I love getting together with friends and connecting over delicious food, lively conversation, and of course, the drinks!

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Philippines, United States