Hi, my name is Jonathan. I grew up outside of Dallas, Texas and have lived in Colorado Springs for several years after attending Colorado College ('19). I lived in Wisconsin for a little bit too (there was a lot of cheese there). In the fall, I am moving to County Clare Ireland to study studio art.

I am hoping to travel around Europe a little bit before settling down in Ireland. It would be amazing to make some new connections. I have traveled outside the U.S. a bit before, once briefly in high school, and then for about a month in Italy while I was in college. I also had a research grant in Japan toward the end of my undergraduate program. I am planning to be in Spain, France, Denmark, and the UK before ending up in County Clare.

If you want to meet up for a drink or go to an art museum together, shoot me a message!
Madrid July 27-31
Barcelona July 31-Aug 3
Paris Aug 3-Aug 9
Oxford/London Aug 21-25
Dublin Aug 25-28
Once I’m settled I’d love to host you :-)

I am always excited to learn new things and see new places. I spend a lot of my time painting and reading, but I also like to just explore and enjoy being in the world.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am moving to Ireland in September, but I am hoping to travel around Europe beforehand. My friends who have used couchsurfing all have had great things to say about it. I love the idea of meeting new people and making exciting new connections. Couchsurfing also seems like a great way to get local perspectives and find out about all the best spots that I wouldn't find if I were just on my own as a tourist. I would love to hear about your town/country's history, or what the best local food I should try is!

Interests

• poetry
• cooking
• wine
• yoga
• running
• gardening
• reading
• painting
• live music
• hiking
• snowboarding
• philosophy
• biking
• exploring
• museums
• ceramics
• art museums
• jewelry making
• vinyl records

Music, Movies, and Books

It is always hard to pick a favorite band, but here are some bands I really enjoy right now: Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Wide Spread Panic, the Pixies, St Vincent, Dijon, Peach Pit, Jeff Rosenstock, and Dr. Dog. I am always down to catch a concert, I love live music even if I'm not familiar with the band. Recently, I've seen Portugal the Man, Billy Strings, Freddie Gibbs, Bright Eyes, and Bon Iver. I'll send you a playlist if you'd like!

I don't watch too many movies these days, but I really like films by Richard Linklater, Taika Waititi, Stanley Kubrick, Wes Anderson, and Akira Kurosawa. I just saw Everything Everywhere All At Once and wow what a phenomenal film, I highly recommend it. Some TV shows I've really enjoyed recently are The Boys and Undone.

My favorite book is usually the most recent one I've read. Some that have really stuck with me lately are 100 Years of Solitude, Billy Ray Belcourt's memoir, and A Little Life. Some of my favorite novelists are James Baldwin and Tom Robbinson. I also read a lot of poetry, and Hanif Abdurraqib is easily my favorite. He also has a wonderful music podcast called "Object of Sound". I am currently reading Marlon James' Dark Star trilogy, as well as Ocean Vuong's newest poetry book.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

For awhile I started and ran an online literary journal with a friend from college. We received submissions from and published writers from all around the world (U.S., India, Philippines, Nigeria, Greece, +++). I loved getting to read so many different perspectives. One of the first poets we published just had some work appear in POETRY magazine! We also focused on supporting marginalized writers in particular, and meanwhile fundraised for all sorts of causes and organizations, like local food banks, bail funds, and organizations that support LGBTQIA+ youth. Though we're not publishing anymore, I hope to engage in projects like this in the future.

Teach, Learn, Share

If there's something you're passionate about, I'd love to hear about it!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love to cook, especially for other people. I'd be happy to chef up a breakfast or dinner with you some night, or maybe we can work together to make something tasty. I would also be happy to go grocery shopping for you.

I also like to paint and doodle little things while I travel, so maybe I can make some art to leave in your home as thanks for my stay.

Countries I’ve Visited

China, England, France, Italy, Japan, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States