CURRENT MISSION

To explore the Far East, especially Japan, and connect with fellow wanderlusters!

ABOUT ME

I'm currently an assistant language teacher (ALT) on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. My love for travel started at a young age, and I am now gratefully able to fulfill my desire to see the world and connect with people from different walks of life. While I'm currently not living in a travel hot spot, I hope to host a few people in Japan, as well as couch surf all over the Land of the Rising Sun! When I return to New Orleans, I plan on continuing the couch surfing legacy, as I'm sure more people want to hit up the Big Easy than the Inaka 'Bara!

PHILOSOPHY

My current philosophy is to go where the wind leads me, where the currents carry me, and where the road takes me. When I was younger, I was very rigid and held myself back from doing so many great things. After college, with the job market not so hot, I decided to reinvent myself as the person I've always wanted to be. Before, I thought that was to be the master of something (whether it be a language, martial arts, etc.) but now I'm slowly realizing that to be a perpetual student is a great honor. I hope to never stop learning, never stop meeting people, and never stop being in awe at the things I encounter in this wonderful world.

Yeah, that's a bit abstract. One concrete thing I strive for is to be as real as I can. Life's too short to put on a facade and fake your way through life as someone you think others will appreciate. Being yourself opens so many more doors and allows you to encounter so many great people.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I strive every day to better myself, and I promise to be the best couch surfer any of you will ever host. I am just as cool with merely occupying a couch and having the occasional shower as I am with playing tourist with some locals and sharing dinners. The point of traveling is to be open to any and all experiences, and I hope to fully participate in every couch surfing chance that comes my way (and maybe even inspire some other people to get out there and explore!)

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I surfed a little bit in Florida--wait wrong surfing.

Actually, the only couch surfing I did was in Manchester, UK. I wasn't even an "official" couch surfer. My other friend was the card-carrying CSer, and he convinced me and another friend to join in on the fun. To this day, I still fondly think back on that memory and am still good friends with the many people the host had in her lovely flat.

Interests

I am interested in doing everything from the super-touristy stuff to the random house parties that are spontaneously thrown. I love doing the traditional art galleries, statues, temples, shrines, and what-have-you, but I also love finding things like locla shopping alleyways and catching the random street performer. When I travel to places, I refuse to write a list of things I must do. I find that stumbling upon things yields greater experiences and memories. I am also very interested in local music and seeing small shows. Coming from New Orleans, and as a musician myself, I fully believe in the magic that music creates and want to experience it everywhere I go. I also love martial arts and sports, so if there are any local matches or games going on, let me know!

• arts
• singing
• partying
• house parties
• shopping
• traveling
• socializing
• magic
• music
• guitar
• surfing
• sports
• martial arts
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm a huge music, movie, and book buff! While my music selection is far too eclectic to really narrow down, my 5 favorite bands are all in the alt/punk genre: Ramones, Green Day, The Killers, Cranberries, and STYX. I also play punk and alt. rock when I perform with bands back home. I also love anything from rap to symphonic metal to doowop, so please don't hesitate to show me some new stuff!

Hmm...books. I recently published a YA sci-fi/fantasy novel, so I'd say that's what I tend to read, as well. I try to read a classic novel I haven't tackled yet (Anna Kerinna is on my list next) while indulging in my YA pleasures. I'm also getting into philosophy, as well as environmental books (fiction and non.) Again, please send any good book recommendations my way!

As far as movies, I'm a sucker for stupid comedies. Sometimes you need to escape the world and laugh a little, you know? I also enjoy documentaries, fantasy, sci-fi, and basically everything but horror and RomComs. Movie nights are always great!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The most amazing thing I've done is probably sing in Carnegie Hall. I hope to top that soon.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you how to play guitar, to speak some Cajun French, and to make cakes and soup in your rice cooker! I hope to learn some things along the way, as well :)