Hi, my name’s JJ.

Born to French parents in Washington DC, I now call Philadelphia home.

I've lived on this block since 2005 with an assorted of fantastic housemates over the years. I've become the 'block captain', which basically means that I help organize block parties, street cleanups, and help connect new neighbors to community resources.

My background is in photography, which has evolved towards practices in public art & community organizing. I'm also now working as a licensed massage therapist.

Two of my favorite and biggest personal projects intersect in real space:

If you pass by PHL International Airport on I-95 or regional rail, you'll see my 85,000 sq ft How Philly Moves mural on the side of the airport parking garages ( http://www.HowPhillyMoves.org ) – It was named one of the best public art projects in the country by Americans for the Arts and I'm pretty darn proud of it and grateful for all the amazing folks that had a hand in helping bring it to fruition. If you're passing through baggage claim, you can also check out the associated permanent exhibit in the B/C baggage claim.

The airport is also right on the city's edge, and thus part of my other biggest project which is recurring pilgrimage around Philadelphia's perimeter. Walk Around Philadelphia is definitely an unconventional tour of the city (and at ~100 miles, will take you a while, but can be done in segments) – I've been inviting folk into this experience since 2016. More info at http://www.WalkAroundPhiladelphia.com

Those are my city-wide pursuits, but I also really love the hyper-local, hence my organizing in my community. I'd be delighted for you to discover a few of the sweet things that our neighborhood & city have to offer.

Also in case of interest: I've been hosting a regular 'Francais et Fromage' conversation group for Francophones, and a neighbor has started a Spanish one. (Si vous parlez français vous êtes les bienvenus a passer nous rejoindre pour bavarder ensemble meme si vous avez un autre logement. C'est deux fois par mois, en alternant entre Mardi et Jeudi) 🇫🇷

More about me at http://www.jjtiziou.net.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

We've been putting people up in our little "guest closet" for quite a while now… so many people have welcomed me during my travels that it's good to be able to return the favor.

I've done lots of traveling and hosting people, but not a ton through this network. When and how much I can host depends a lot on what's going on w/ my housemates.

Interests

I'm generally interested in humans, and movement.
Sometimes I'm trying to cultivate stillness.

• cats
• photography
• dancing
• cooking
• yoga
• massage therapy
• walking
• traveling
• music
• live music
• teaching
• community living
• walking around

Music, Movies, and Books

I particularly love live music... pre-pandemic, I hosted house concerts fairly regularly... and there's so many wonderfully talented musicians in my neighborhood.

I'm interested in interfaith work, and have accumulated a small library of spiritual texts from many traditions... – if you stay with us, you'll have plenty of interesting reading at your disposal.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Walked the entire perimeter of Philadelphia 12 times
(as of 2023)

https://www.inquirer.com/life/walk-philadelphia-art-discover-20201204.html

Teach, Learn, Share

I have a magic guest pass to Studio 34 (http://www.studio34yoga.com) which is two blocks south of our house - and I'm happy to take travelers to free classes there.

With some anatomy knowledge from a yoga teacher training and massage therapy school, I can teach you some stretches & self-massage techniques that might serve you, especially if you’ve been spending lots of time in planes, busses and trains. (I do not offer my guests massages however, as there’s both some professional and couchsurfing boundaries there.)

From my past life as a photographer, I enjoy teaching people how to better use their cameras- (most of it is about space and light and composition and settings, not about any particular equipment needs)

I love learning a bit of whatever my guests are excited to share...

What I Can Share with Hosts

Photography / digital imaging skills, yoga & self-massage techniques

Medium cooking skills, and a love of doing dishes and helping out however is needed

I've also completed a yoga teacher training program and am a licensed massage therapist, and am happy to help introduce others to stretches or self-massage techniques to help address aches, pains and body issues.

Countries I’ve Visited

Armenia, Benin, Canada, Dominican Republic, England, France, Honduras, Kenya, Mexico, Mongolia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, Togo

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States