Hey, hi! It's Keidaï (yes, that rhymes!)

"Those who travel but do not meet other people have not traveled; they have only simply moved."

As an "undercover American" (someone who not everyone thinks or believes is American!), I have become inspired to dig into my curiosity around the world and understand a place through the eyes and spaces of the local people. I've loved the reminders and surprises I found in how beautifully similar and/or different I am to everyone I meet.

My writing: https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/opinion/community-voices/violence-mass-shooting-brooklyn-baltimore-helplessness-MYQDIIIYCJCBLG3KO5BOCA6QEU/

https://www.jhunewsletter.com/staff/keidai-lee

https://sites.google.com/view/dear-first-year-me/dear-sophomore-me/in-your-own-time?authuser=0

My videos: https://www.youtube.com/@heyhiitskeidai8467
My instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keid.ai/

In the work I do, I'm constantly asking the questions, "can anyone achieve their potential, no matter where they come from? And if not, when inevitable conflict arises, how can we experience that conflict... well?

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

It brings me joy to witness and contribute to the making of people who are their best selves, because of AND regardless of their environments and cultures. It's my life mission to combat apathy with compassionate nuanced narratives.

As a result, I also love going to museums, visiting local restaurants, listening to local stories, and applying my philosophy studies to the world around me. After having lived abroad for long periods of time in France, Taiwan, and visiting neighboring countries, I am excited to exchange lessons about my and others' unique corners of the universe. I hope to visit your city/town soon!

Interests

• writing
• cooking
• board games
• reading
• music
• sports
• languages
• film

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm currently mainly doing the three following things:

1) Teaching Chinese language through stories about the last Chinese-speaking democracy in the world: Taiwan. By giving a voice to the unrecognized status of Taiwan and the often overlooked Taiwanese diaspora and Asian-Americans in the United States, I hope to remind the world that finding a sense of confidence, belonging, and acceptance runs beyond the neat lines we draw around ourselves on maps.

2) Performing in a NYC community theatre play, "You Can't Take it With You". I will be playing two characters –the first is Paul Sycamore, the father who ideogically wrestles between his two daughters' diverging life paths of living for pure happiness vs. finding a balance between enjoyment and practicality.

My second character is the Grand Duke Igor Alexander, larger than life, a former Russian noble, always ready to remember his true fabulous self no matter life's circumstance, even now as a waiter in NYC. Come see me beginning of March in New York City below!

https://afterworktheater.org/project/you-cant-take-it-with-you/

3) Running an employee engagement startup, where we look at how companies can better engage their human capital, facilitate team conflicts, and allow everyone to have a seat at the "table" and find mutual respect.

What I Can Share with Hosts

– We can cook together! Ever have Taiwanese-French-Chinese-Italian-Japanese-Greek-Vietnamese-American fusion food before?? I'm your guy! Lol

– We can also play music together: I love signing and playing the piano and drums!

– I also know a little salsa, tango, and hip hop popping :D

– And of course, I'd be more than happy to do a language exchange!

– I'm regularly thinking about why people do what they do. I'm always eager to learn more, but also to share my inisghts... and help you realize your own motivations (that you might have even been unaware of!)

– I'm also really good at taking care of kids – and helping both them and you think about your deeper life purpose.

– Last but not least, I'm always happy to do some chores around the house.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, North Korea, Palestine, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Taiwan, United States