Hi! I’m Jen Joo. Thanks for checking out my page.

A little bit about me: I’m Korean, born in Brazil, and North American citizen. I've been so fortunate to experience life in varying culturally diverse places such as Sao Paulo, Honolulu, Los Angeles, and Bangkok. In 2018, after a wildly mind+body altering experience, I had no choice but to completely change the trajectory of my life. Since then, I’ve gotten rid of 80% of my belongings, living more and more minimalistically, and have been participating in work/volunteer exchange and karma yoga programs- traveling the world, connecting with all kinds of communities, reconnecting with myself and nature. I’ve officially become a full time traveler and humble student of Life.

Some things I’ve experienced this past year: Communing at a Buddhist meditation retreat center up in Northern California for 6 months. Worked and lived on an organic homestead farm in Gila, New Mexico (bonafide incredible desert, highly recommend visiting Gila National Forest). Lived in a small surfer beach town called San Agustinillo/Mazunte on the coast of Oaxaca for 4 months. Sat my first 10 day silent meditation retreat (definitely won’t be my last).

I have a profound appreciation of the art, music, film, swimming in the ocean, tattoos, all things food related, being in silence, being in nature, plant medicines, reading books, watching stand up comedy, and cats. I'm very open and communicative. I try to approach all things from a place of peace, willingness to listen, love, and compassion— and I find it’s most harmonious when I’m around others who share similar values.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to connecting!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Education. Cultural exchange. Community. Friendship. Connection.

Interests

I've been inspired and led to journeying within through meditation, introspection, contemplation, full acceptance, presence awareness, and going into periods of silence.

“Do not be guided or influenced by opinions of others. March boldly and cheerfully in the path of truth, consulting your inner conscience and hearing the inner, small, sweet voice of the soul.”
- Swami Sivananda

• cats
• arts
• photography
• movies
• knitting
• music
• backpacking
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

Current Favorites

Music:
Blue Cigar - Midnight Sister
San cesse, mon cherie - Domenique Dumont
Lava - Los Walters
Sirenita Bobinzana - Shimshai & Susana
Naturaleza (Mose edit) - Danit

Books:
Stillness Speaks - Eckhart Tolle
Sick in the Head - Judd Apatow
Tao Te Ching - Lao Tzu

Film:
Being John Malkovich
Adaptation
Jim and Andy: The Great Beyond
Becoming Nobody

Stand-up:
Pizza Mind - Sasheer Zamata
Maria Bamford
Julio Torres
Joel Kim Booster
Aparna Nancherla

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Repelled down Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio, Brazil- totally unexpected!

Went pagoda hopping through Bagan, Myanmar via e-bikes with the raddest group of Canadians.

Randomly got picked up by a local name Pishang in his tiny canoe on the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Most of our time was spent in silence picking lotus flowers and giggling because of our language barrier.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm happy to share my experiences and exchange wisdom and connection.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Good energy and conversation.

Countries I’ve Visited

Brazil, Germany, Indonesia, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Brazil, Thailand, United States