Hi! I’m Karida, originally from China🇨🇳
After graduating from university last year, I came to the US on a one-year J1 to experience local culture and work life. I’ve been living in Napa, California, surrounded by vineyards and sunshine. On weekends, you’ll probably find me on a spontaneous road trip, exploring new towns, or wine tasting at different wineries (I’ve learned so much about wine this year!).

Before this adventure, I volunteered as an English teacher in Thailand, and during university, I traveled solo to Malaysia and Singapore. I love solo travel because it gives me the freedom to follow my own pace while meeting amazing people along the way.

I’m also a huge national park lover. I’ve taken solo road trips to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, hiked in Lassen Volcanic and Yosemite, and felt the pure joy that comes from being surrounded by nature. For me, travel truly adds color to life—it’s about breathing fresh air, slowing down, and feeling grounded.

I dream of becoming a travel blogger, so I’m always capturing moments from my journeys through videos and photos. I love sharing these stories—big and small—from the road, hoping they inspire others to explore the world too.

I’m always happy to share my travel experiences and a bit of Chinese culture—whether over a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, or while exploring somewhere new together.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I want to meet new friends and share my travel stories. I also want to learn more about the lives and cultures of different countries

Interests

Hiking Dance Take video&photo

• photography
• traveling
• food
• dance

Music, Movies, and Books

GEM JJ Lin hiphop

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

My first-ever solo trip was to Qinghai, China. Somewhere along the way, I met a group of equally curious and slightly adventurous travel buddies. We all had the same idea of “fun”—which apparently meant driving into the middle of nowhere at night for four nights straight, just to watch the stars.

On our last night, in the Qilian Mountains, we hit the jackpot: the Perseid meteor shower. The sky exploded with shooting stars, and I managed to catch it on camera (though no photo can truly show how magical it was).

It was also my first time stargazing outdoors. It was freezing, but we wrapped ourselves in blankets, piled into the back of the car, and tried to stay warm while pointing out constellations we couldn’t actually name. Cold noses, warm hearts, and a sky full of meteors—definitely worth losing a little sleep.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I’d be happy to take some photos for you and cook a couple of Chinese dishes too

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, United States