My name is Jonathan. Most people call me Jon, but my favorite people just make up a name for me instead. I am currently in my third year of university in Madison, my hometown and study Geography (GIS) and International Studies. Madison is a great home-base, but my heart has always been for seeing the rest of the world and its inhabitants as well. This has led me to living for extended periods of time in South and Southeast Asia (HK, India, Thailand). I have also had the pleasure of encountering people in Central America.
In my free time, I enjoy chatting with people about most anything, going on adventures, playing music, being outdoors, and cooking food.
Me llamo Jonathan. La mayoria de gente me llama "Jon," pero me encanta cuando me dé un apodo. Actualmente, estoy en el tercer año de la universidad en Madison, mi ciudad natal. Estudio la geografía, sistemas de información geográfica, y estudias internacionales. Madison es un lugar perfecto para quedarme por un rato, pero siempre he querido ir del extranjero para ver el mundo y conocer a su gente. Este sentimiento me ha causado vivir del extranjero por tiempo extendido (mayoritariamente en el sur y sureste de asia). También he visitado partes de centroamérica. Mis pasatiempos son charlar con gente de cualquier sujeto, ir para las aventuras, tocar instrumentos y escucharlos, estar en la naturaleza, y cocinar.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing because I think it is an amazing way for people to encounter each other and for travelers to gain a real perspective on life elsewhere. It is a beautiful expression of something that is reaching extinction in much of the world: genuine friendship and hospitality with fellow human beings. What better than being able to open one's door to another person, hear their stories and thoughts, and send them on their way with a full stomach? In short, sharing life together is rich.

Interests

I am into many things, partly because new things keep me engaged with the world. Some of my hobbies that keep coming back around include conversing with people about meaningful topics, playing music, listening to music, watching good film, doing yoga, going on adventures outdoors (this includes running, biking, camping, hiking, etc.), reading, and talking about geography.

• singing
• make up
• dining
• cooking
• yoga
• running
• reading
• traveling
• music
• guitar
• piano
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• geography

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite musicians: Josh Garrels, Bon Iver, Sara Bareilles, Kanye West, among others.
Books: I am in love with dense books. Tolkien and Dickens make for a splendid time. Even though I do not fit reading in as much as I would like, when I do get a chance to read, it is wonderfully decompressing. Among some of my favorites: Great Expectations, Les Miserables, LOTR, Harry Potter, Americanah, To Kill a Mockingbird, Love Wins, Americanah.
Movies: Blood Diamond, Nostalgia por la Luz, The Usual Suspects, White Christmas, North by Northwest.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One amazing thing I have been able to experience was living in Southeast Asia for 6 months, partly taking time to work in children's homes, which are intended for children who either don't have families or are in families that lack the means to support them. This was less about me giving, though, and more something amazing I've been able to partake in. Giving my time to this experience was definitely worth in.

Teach, Learn, Share

I love sharing my knowledge of music: guitar, percussion, basic piano, and singing.
I am also able to teach people Spanish.
I love sharing travel stories.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Saint Lucia, Singapore, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

Hong Kong, India, United States