Hi, there!

My name is Jake and I am a teacher and education administrator from Chicago, IL, USA. I have previously worked in special education and was most recently the director of a student center at an alternative high school.

Traveling is my passion and I am currently embarking on a six-month sabbatical to travel around New Zealand and Southeast Asia. I recently road-tripped and camped throughout New Zealand and am presently exploring Thailand.

On my journey, I hope to practice mindfulness, adapt to my new surroundings, and learn about the cultures that I explore. Playing the guitar, photography, and writing are a few of my creative outlets.

Please feel free to contact me if you want to grab a coffee and hang out!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As I travel I have realized that connections to local people make a difference. It is how I learn about new cultures and places. It is how I explore urban and natural environments. It is how I sample the local cuisine and play new games. It is how I learn about religious practices and different ways of life.

I am grateful for my travel experiences as they teach me new perspectives I can use when I return home. Traveling broadens my world, breaks my safe little protective bubble, and humanizes people. It is a vital practice in my life.

I am particularly interested in learning about and experiencing: food, creative expressions, nature, and religious/spiritual practices. Traveling is one of the main ways I grow, and I hope Couchsurfing can support me in making those connections as I go!

Interests

• birds
• culture
• writing
• books
• photography
• dancing
• cooking
• coffee
• yoga
• movies
• reading
• music
• hiking
• sports
• history
• religion
• art
• food
• nature
• spirituality
• mindfulness
• comedy
• plays
• trees

Music, Movies, and Books

I love movies! The Handmaiden by Park Chan Wook, Brick by Rian Johnson, Do the Right Thing by Spike Lee, Boy by Taika Waititi, and Nomadland by Chloe Zhao are a few of my favorites.

I am also an avid reader and just finished re-reading Lord of the Rings in New Zealand. A few of my favorite books are Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, Educated by Tara Westover, Quiet by Susan Cain, A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, The Broken Earth series by NK Jemisin, and anything by David Sedaris. I am starting Station 11 next!

I love all sports, basketball in particular, and I love learning new games! I won't get into music because I like a lot of genres and can find something that I appreciate in all music (except for dubstep). As far as sports and music go, I am always interested in checking out a concert or sporting event!

Playing the guitar, photography, and writing are a few of my creative outlets. I also love museums, art galleries, and discussing the creative process.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am always open for a conversation that broadens each person’s understanding of the world. Whether that is discussing history, art, religion, or politics I am here to learn and share my experiences without judgment.

I can also play the guitar a little, cook a few simple dishes, keep my space tidy, and be quiet when I need to be. I like to think that I’m a flexible and low maintenance person.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Colombia, Croatia, England, France, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Palestine, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States