***24 APRIL 2021***

After a good stretch of hosting while in Vietnam, and then two years of pandemic confinement, it's finally time to get back out there again as a traveller.

I will be out west (Portland, Seattle, LA, SF) for a mix of business & pleasure this June (maybe into July, in SoCal) and very much looking forward to reconnecting with the incredible Couchsurfing community.

When it comes to being a guest, I consider myself low-maintenance and am cool to either spend time with my host or just simply do my own thing. I've traveled pretty extensively and have lived abroad for most of the past decade, and have learned that all I really need is a decent bed and reliable WiFi.

In search of potential hosts/meet-ups. If I'm coming to your neck of the woods, or you're coming to Philly, hit me up!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

The people. It's that simple.

The people I've met through Couchsurfing - whether hosting, as a guest, or simply meeting up - have been some of the most genuine and interesting people I've encountered in this life. I look forward to making more meaningful connections and being the best version of myself for the people I meet here.

Interests

* I'm writing a book. People tell me I'm a good writer and I believe them. I am making writing a bigger priority lately.

* I love the outdoors, but I am also a city Rat and love explore dense urban jungles. I am always looking for new ways to explore and expand my horizons.

* I enjoy travel, especially solo, but I also enjoy staying put and getting comfortable in a country, to better understand it. I believe that truly immersing in a culture will unlock insights about our world you will never find in a book or classroom.

* I believe in travel as it is taken from its word origin, travail - to overcome challenges, from without and from within. Luxury resorts and all-inclusives will never be for me.

• culture
• writing
• photography
• yoga
• running
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• camping
• skiing
• baseball
• volunteering
• road trips
• travel
• alan watts
• yoga and meditation

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Rock and Roll is the core of my soul - Metallica is my tops of all time, having seen them live 10+ times. But I like a little bit of everything, and always enjoy sampling unfamiliar musical styles. I have recently been digging Chillstep livestreams. Would love if you share your favorites with me!

Movies/TV: Pulp Fiction, American Beauty, Breaking Bad, Waking Life, West Wing, Lord of the Rings...

Books: The Things They Carried (Tim O'Brien), Eleven Minutes (Paulo Coelho), Cutting for Stone (Abraham Verghese), The Road (Cormac McCarthy), Catfish and Mandala (Andrew X. Pham)...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Impromptu 6-week solo motorbike trip throughout the "old south" of Vietnam (a figure-8 loop route between Saigon and Hoi An). I almost bought a bus ticket but instead bought a motorbike on the spot and never looked back.

And that's how "2-4 weeks" became 4 years in Vietnam (2016-2020).

Teach, Learn, Share

The origin of the word travel is "travail" - to overcome challenges, from without and from within. You won't find true travel in luxury resorts and all-inclusives. Get uncomfortable, kiddies.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love sharing insights on travels, culture, language, and life. But most importantly, to hosts and surfers alike, I give you my respect and gratitude for your time.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, Ethiopia, Gabon, Hong Kong, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ethiopia, Kenya, United States, Viet Nam