Hello, my name is JD - USAF veteran & UCSB Alumni - English teacher, writing tutor, mentor, musician, traveler, DIY'er on a quest to discover Me :)
Began traveling outside the tourist circles nearly two years ago & it opened my eyes to a new world. I'm excited to continue traveling, experiencing new vistas & cultures, & meeting genuinely great people along the way.
I've traveled abroad several times, 3 times to Philippines, twice to S Korea, Thailand, Costa Rica, & most recently UK - & I long to see much more! My favorite part of travel is meeting the locals, which has made my life richer & opened my mind to remarkable things over the years.
Currently, my passions include teaching, tutoring, mentoring, writing, guitar, drums, singing, drawing, hiking or anything outdoors, & trying something new when opportunities arise! I love exercising my creativity in new & inspiring ways, but above all I love good conversation. :)
I look forward to making new connections & sharing lessons, stories, meaningful work, & good times with great people all around the world.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To try a new (& highly recommended by friends) way to travel & meet new people!

Interests

• culture
• music festivals
• traveling
• music
• live music
• guitar
• busking

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Recently (re)discovered a propensity for my feminine side, & I'm experimenting publicly with gender norms :D
I've faced this head-on & without support, so it's esp. important for me to be picky about the company I keep as I travel new lands. I thrive with open-minded & non-judgmental others, & hope to meet many such people here on CS.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Good energy, good conversation, & good will.
I love sharing stories & practical knowledge about all aspects of existence.
Minimal, well-kept, & I clean up after myself.

Countries I’ve Visited

Costa Rica, Mexico, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, United Kingdom