CURRENT MISSION

See new places, meet new people, experience new culture and ideas.

ABOUT ME

Hi everybody! I am Joel. I am 29 years old and from Chicago. I've done a fair bit of traveling. I lived in Japan when I was a child, which doesn't really count but I have a few memories. Also lived in Hawaii from ages 5-9. I have traveled a good deal of Europe in my adult life so far. I studied abroad in Madrid in 2009 and did a backpacking tour in 2012. I've traveled around Spain, France, Italy, England, Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. I plan to take a Spanish course soon to develop my language skills and my reward, if I develop some semi-fluency at some point, will be to take a trip to South America.

My friends would say I am unpredictable but in a good way. I am interested in many things and very flexible. I am not a drinker of alcohol but I really try to enjoy life and have a good time. I like to meet new people and see new things. Experiencing new cultures is exciting to me.

I must let you all know that I have two superpowers in life: getting lost and having crazy things/adventures happen out of nowhere. These adventures usually only happen when I am traveling alone and nobody ever gets hurt so do not worry! Believe me, I do not lack for good stories.

I consider myself very polite and respectful to others. I think I get along pretty well with most people and if I am fortunate to meet you, I think you will appreciate our encounter. Cheers!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have not so far. I am looking to get involved more but just opened up this account just recently!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

None so far! Hope to rectify that soon.

Interests

I am a lawyer in Chicago so that occupies much of my time. Politics and sports are subjects I am passionate about. I am not a drinker like I said but I like to go out and have a good time. I love food and walking around and talking. I think having a great meal with interesting people, telling interesting stories is probably my ideal night.

• culture
• dining
• walking
• politics
• traveling
• backpacking
• skydiving
• sports
• history
• law

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies - Braveheart, Inception, Lord of the Rings, Cabin in the Woods

Music - Much of what I listen to is contemporary alternative music but I love oldies music as well. I was pretty stoked to walk Abbey Road in London in 2012 because the Beatles are still one of my favorite bands.

Books - In the Garden of Beasts, Devil in the White City, Hunger Games trilogy.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

1. When I ran with the bulls in Pamplona in 2009. That was really crazy. You will have to ask me more about that!

2. I went canyoning in Switzerland in 2012. I am afraid of heights so that was difficult but fun! Like I said, I am unpredictable! Maybe I will do skydiving next! (No, that would be too much I think, haha)

3. I really enjoyed Rome. The Pantheon, the Colosseum, and the food. I met so many interesting people. I loved seeing the history. And gelato! Oh my god, gelato is so good.

Teach, Learn, Share

All kinds. Seriously. Only way to learn is to be flexible. So do not limit yourself to who you think may be fun to hang out. People can surprise you.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, England, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, Spain, United States