CURRENT MISSION:
I am currently on an extended journey across Asia. So far it's been 10 months, and I've traveled mostly overland through Japan, Russia, Mongolia, China, Nepal, India, Maldives, and finally Sri Lanka. I love outdoor activities, cooking, and photography. You can follow my adventure here: https://www.instagram.com/whatcoloristhis/

ABOUT ME:
I am a half Japanese - half American from San Francisco, California. I am curious, and I want to learn more. Seeking new friends and companions to explore this endlessly fascinating world!

I also have a deep interest in sustainability. In the grand scheme of things, the good stuff in this world will never last unless we somehow give more than receive. As nebulous of a concept that is, I am looking for ways to contribute. Please feel free to come talk to me!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I was introduced to this community unconditionally, with open arms. I was so inspired by these cool people that I now want to give back.

Besides, I care about my city. A lot. It's rich history and constant change fascinate me. I want you to appreciate it as much as I do.

Interests

I've been described as someone with "too many passions." It's disheartening to know that there simply isn't enough time in the world to pursue all these things at once. Nonetheless, they provide me joy and a sense of accomplishment.

Photography - I used to teach photography at a club during University. I mainly enjoy landscape and travel photography. If i can do this as a profession, I would.

Cooking - I have tons of room to improve, but when I'm not traveling, I cook a lot. I have a relationship with the local grocery store, and I would visit them everyday for the day's ingredients. I cook mainly Italian, Japanese, or Chinese food. These three culinary cultures fascinate me, and are a big inspiration for travel.

Rock climbing - I do not have too much experience climbing outdoors, but this is my main pastime. It's an interactive way of problem solving that is also fantastic way to meet people. The collaborative and friendly environment in the climbing community (especially bouldering) is very inspiring.

Helping the Homeless - my city unfortunately has one of the largest disparities of income in world. Homelessness in general is a serious problem that plagues these unfortunate individuals in insidious ways. I used to help with an organization that provides shelter and free services for the underserved population.

Woodworking - my journey to create the "perfect cutting board" led me to this passion. I currently enjoy making small utensils using the lathe or hand tools, like spoons and knives.

Cutlery - I have an interest in cooking knives. Different cultures use different knives to suit their culinary needs. Learning about the differences has really led me to enjoy not only the cooking process, but the food more. I am applying myself to become proficient at sharpening knives with a whetstone.

• photography
• cooking
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• rock climbing
• astronomy
• history
• hitchhiking

Music, Movies, and Books

I tend to enjoy my books and movies that are more serious rather than the comedic. This is because I feel like there is more learning to be had from watching or reading serious material.

Film/TV:
- The Wire - My absolute favorite. Not only is this greatest tv show of all time, it's a fantastic introduction to the numerous forces at play that affect the inner workings of a city. Fantastic storytelling and heartbreakingly real.

Some others
- Breaking Bad
- MadMen
- Game of Thrones
- Pan's Labyrinth

Books:
- Guns, Germs, & Steel by Jared Diamond - a great book for someone who is curious about why the Western world came to eventually dominate other cultures.
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson - I really like history.
- Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand - a story of integrity that inspires me every. Single. Time. I read this maybe 3 times a year.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

How about I tell you not one, but many of the moments I cherish during my travels. And when we meet in person, I can tell you in detail about the one you'd like to know?

1. Visited the Dalai Lama residence and got his business card.
2. Ate a scorpion.
3. Swam with whale sharks in the Maldives
4. Went to Burning Man
5. Went on the trans-Siberian railroad
6. Got a reckless driving ticket in Sri Lanka. Begged my way out of it using the local language.
7. Camel trekking in the Gobi Desert
8. Went on a 10 day journey to explore Mongolia
9. Won a chili contest in Emeryville.
10. Spent the night at a Thai mafia members mansion without knowing it.
11. Stayed over a Buddhist temple for a night in Koyasan
12. Ate cheese fondue in yakushima with a group of bakers in the forest.
13. Bribed a fisherman with whisky to allow me to cross the Mekong river in Laos
14. Got drunk under the stars surrounded by the Annapurna Sanctuary with a group of Brits.
15. Visited Cambodian pepper plantations.
16. Trekked the Inca Trail.
17. Got lost in the medinas of Morocco.
18. Got caught in standoff with the KGB in Russia.
19. Passport almost burned from a fire right before a big trip.
20. Slept under the stars in the Thar desert. Right on the sand dunes.

Teach, Learn, Share

I believe I am very knowledgeable about cooking and photography. If you have any questions about any of these two subjects, I can help. If time allows, I can cook for you or show you how to use your camera. If you would like a photo critique, I can do that as well.

Some questions you may have:
Cooking:
- Why do my eggs stick to the frying pan?
- What are the best ways to prepare eggplant?
- What are the best ways to prepare steak?
- I want to learn to cook. Where do I start?

Photography:
- How did this person take this photo?
- What can do to take better photos?
- My photos are blurry. What do I need to keep in mind to avoid this?
- How do I take photos of stars?
- What is Aperture? And how does that help me?
- What is ISO?

What I Can Share with Hosts

Unfortunately, the style of my current travel does not allow me to carry gifts for my hosts like I normally do. However, I would be more than happy to cook, clean, your apartment at the best of my ability.

I also come from two different cultures, which provides me with a unique perspective on the Western and Eastern cultural values. I really enjoy having cross cultural discussions -- I can share a lot there.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Cambodia, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, Peru, Portugal, Russian Federation, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, United States

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