Hi There,
My name is Kristy and while I'm new to couch surfing I've been a fan for ages. I'm an avid traveler and have lived/traveled throughout Southeast Asia, India, Ghana, El Salvador, Nepal, China, Turkey, Hungary, and more! I'm a wannabe foodie and love all things food and eating. I'm eager to get to know more of the couch surfing community, shares some tasty meals together, and maybe an adventure or two.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've always wanted to join and start exploring more of the U.S. I have just been accepted to a few graduate schools this month so I would like to visit a few of the schools to get a better idea of where I would like to spend the next two plus years of my life. I'm hoping to not only have a couch to stay, but hopefully meet a friendly face who may have some insight on these cities that are so new to me!

Interests

As a Youth Leadership Coordinator and Case Manager for a Washington D.C. based anti-human trafficking non-profit, my interests are rooted in human rights, gender equality, and youth empowerment.

I also love learning about new foods, cuisines, recipes and making my own creations. I also paint, draw, sketch, read, swim, and enjoy yoga.

• photography
• human rights
• dining
• cooking
• recipes
• fine dining
• yoga
• traveling
• painting
• drawing
• surfing
• swimming
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

Some favorite authors include: Toni Morrison, Jhumpa Lahiri, Bell Hooks, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Audrey Lorde.

Some favorite musicians include: Lauryn Hill, Lianna La Havas, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Billie Holiday, Janelle Monae, Amadou and Miriam, Fat Freddy's Drop, Little Dragon, Fugees, James Vincent McMorrow, and more!

Some favorite movies: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, 10 Things I hate about you, Babel, Little Miss Sunshine, Snatch, and more!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

- Coordinate a youth empowerment program for survivors of sex trafficking
- Fulbright teacher in rural Malaysia
- Worked in the kitchen of a fine dining restaurant in Bangkok
- conducted research in the slums of Thailand on the commercial sexual exploitation of children
- Born in India and travel back every few years
- Keep a photography website on my travels: http://kumarkristy.wix.com/life-between-meals-

Teach, Learn, Share

I am always open to learning new things from anyone I meet. I'm sure there are infinite ways we could teach, learn, and share from each other.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I genuinely enjoy cooking and would love to share meals with those who graciously offer up their home!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, China, El Salvador, France, Hungary, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ghana, India, Malaysia, Thailand, United States