My name is Keenan, I am originally from Minneapolis but have lived in China for the last 4 years. I spent 3 months in Guangzhou working for the Jinjiang Inn hotel and then moved to Shanghai to study Chinese at Fudan University for 4 months. I then went back to the United States and graduated from college. After graduating I moved back to China, and lived in Zhuhai. Since 2017 I’ve been a member of the United States Peace Corps. I am a volunteer English teacher and will be in China for the next 27 months. I love living in Asia because I have always been interested in Asian cultures and it is exciting.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

First and foremost I am on couchsurfing because it allows me to visit new places, while simultaneously interacting, whether that be hanging out with or just staying, with people that are knowledgeable of where I am and can help make travelling a little easier. Second, I want to meet more people and expand my network across Asia. Living in a foreign country can be stressful at times but incredibly rewarding and sharing experiences with other people is what life is really about. Third, I really believe that life is all about give and take experiences. To me that is what Couchsurfing is. I want to travel and meet new people, teach them things I have learned from my life experiences while taking from them what they have to offer. I am also not like the ignorant people on couchsurfing, and realize that having a free place to stay is nice too. I believe that you never know where you will end up or who you will meet. I recently watched a short film called "look up" and although ti is about being on social media and overuse of phones, its meaning transcends its content. Couchsurfing is an experience to meet new people and see new things. That is why I am on couchsurfing!

Interests

Sports!
Scuba diving. I recently went scuba diving in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines for the first time and loved it. In fact I loved it so much that I went to Hoi An, Vietnam to do it again. Hopefully I can meet other people interested in scuba diving. Ideally, I want to meet some people who want to go on a scuba diving trip. I am hoping to get PADI open water certified.

I love being outside, so however that can be done I am in. Basically anything that I can compete in is also fun for me. I love to play basketball, ping pong, badminton, and in the winter love to play ice hockey and skiing/snowboarding(Yes I can do both!). However I am opening to playing any sport.
Sports: Football, golf, tennis, scuba diving and snowboarding.

Languages: I love learning new languages especially coloquialisms and regional expressions. I think it's such a nice way to define cultures.

Also I am an avid cribbage player and would love to get a game in with any guests. Moreover, I love talking about sports, politics, and current events.

I love to travel. I will eat anything

That's just a few of my interests!

This is one of the reasons that I want to become a part of the couch surfing community. I love to be outside.

• beer
• politics
• traveling
• surfing
• scuba diving
• skiing
• snowboarding
• sports
• basketball
• soccer
• hockey
• tennis
• table tennis
• golf
• badminton
• communications
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Music:
I AM OPEN TO ALL GENRES OF MUSIC. I can jam out to everything. I have recently found an interest in the emerging Chinese rap scene. I think that it is incredible to see the manipulation of different languages. In November 2015, I attended a rap show in Guangzhou in which the artist would switch between rapping in Mandarin chinese and Cantonese. It was amazing. I hope that as I continue to travel I can continue to attend shows across the world.
I also love hip hop from the early 2000's. My favorite artists include TI, New Boyz, and Gorilla Zoe. My Dad has also had a huge impact on my music tastes. Because of him I love rock music. My favorite artists include the Eagles, Queen, and Pink Floyd.

Movies:
My comfort films of Choice are adventure films. If I'm ever in need to just hanging out on the couch watching a movie, I always choose Batman Begins or Star Wars. I also love international films. My favorite film is a Japanese film called "Departures." I am also a sucker for all Zhang Yimou films as well as Chang Kaige.

Books:
I love to read about history. One of the best books I have ever read is called "Wild Swans" by Iris Chang. Absolutely incredible.

Also Jon Krakauer is amazing, really like his books.

I am currently reading a book called "Guests of the Ayatollah: The Iran Hostage Crisis: The First Battle in America’s War with Militant Islam" by Mark Bowden. When I travel I like to give and take books. If you have a suggestion of a good read I always have my Barnes and Nobel Nook and would love to get more suggestions.

As far as fiction goes, Harry Potter is great and I love to reread them. My favorite fiction is a book called "Tomorrow when the war began," however the movie sucks!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In high school I was invited by Major League Gaming to attend their Call of Duty 4 world tournament.

Teach, Learn, Share

As a foreigner who has been studying Chinese for a couple of years I want to share some skills that I have gained in the area of language learning, but I also want to pick your brain for tips and suggestions you have for me.

As I said above, I love cribbage and other card games, if you come and stay with me and my roommates I would love to share with you how to play cribbage.

Life advice! I am always looking for a good story that I can learn a little bit about life from.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Having lived in Zhuhai for two years I feel that I have a great grip on what the city has to offer. Also, Zhuhai is a great spot to visit before going to places like Macau and Hong Kong. I would love to share some stories about traveling as well as a cold beer. I have a spare bed room to provide some privacy as well as a couch in case you are traveling with a friend.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Cambodia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, United States