I was born in Austin, Texas, lived near Quito, Ecuador for three years and have travelled quite a bit in México. I was a case manager (www.casamarianella.org/) for eight years at a shelter for immigrants and asylum seekers, where I recently returned. I have organized with Bikes Across Borders for the same amount of time (see Facebook page). I have worked as a Spanish teacher, pedicabber (bicycle taxi), organic farm hand, community organizer, full-time volunteer at The Crawford Peace House, Afro-Cuban percussionist (with El Tule--congas/timbales), public speaker, translator and interpreter.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I want to meet people who are as interested in hospitality, the solidarity/sharing economy and having a good time as I am. I love to host and to be a respectful guest! I also love to cook and share food!

Interests

Solidarity, Spanish, Cycle Touring, Latin America, Social Justice, the history of U.S. imperialism, Love, anarchism, direct democracy, Permaculture, Sustainability, DIY/hazlo tu mism@, ending patriarchy...

• diy
• dining
• cooking
• socializing
• cycling
• teaching
• history
• languages
• volunteering
• tours

Music, Movies, and Books

Bob Wills, Django Reinhart, Fela Kuti, Brownout, Hard Proof Afrobeat, Money Chicha, Afro roots, polyrhythms /// _The Color Purple_, _Gran Budapest Hotel_, _Los Viajes del Viento_, anything with Tin Tan /// _The Education of Little Tree_

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have helped to organize groups of up to 33 novice touring cyclists on multiple day tours from Texas to México to teach DIY touring, establish relationships based in solidarity and to donate bicycles to community organizers in different towns in Northern México including trips to/through Matamoros, Piedras Negras, Reynosa, Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey.

Teach, Learn, Share

Yes!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Cooking, being bilingual, laughs, discussing current events, cleaning, participating and helping keep house

Countries I’ve Visited

Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ecuador, Mexico, United States

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