CURRENT MISSION

Traveling around the Pacific Rim for several months to meet people and have amazing experiences. Pushing myself outside of my comfort zone on a (mostly) solo backpacking trip.

things I want to check out:
-quirky offbeat attractions
-cool art
-yummy food
-crazy historical places
-beautiful nature spots
-weird unique events

ABOUT ME

I like to create, adventure, and savor the simple things. I'm also an "Interesting extrovert stuck inside a complicated introvert" (borrowed the phrase from a friend). I've worked with crafts, plants, machines, people, food, and most recently buildings. I guess I like a little bit of everything.

PHILOSOPHY

Life is what it is. I also believe in honesty, tolerance, and compassion.

Instagram:
http://instagram.com/leif2181

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Lief.Erikson

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Have not been able to host yet (due to always subletting), but have loved the experiences I have had meeting up with folks and staying with a host in Bali.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have stayed with one host in Bali and loved the experience.

Interests

Nature, intellectual discussions, philosophy/ethics, the big picture, a good laugh, spontaneity, helping others, low budget travel, walking around cities aimlessly, hiking, opening up to strangers and vice versa, new connections, new places, new adventures

• arts
• dining
• walking
• traveling
• hiking
• food
• travelling
• nature

Music, Movies, and Books

FAVORITE FILMS:

Spirited Away
Any Miyazaki-style films
V for Vendetta (it got me through a weird time in my life)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

-Started a permaculture garden
-made a ceramic dinner set
-lived, travelled, and worked with 10 random people for 6 month volunteer program across US
-dropped out of an elite liberal arts college, went back to school for engineering
-turned my car into a political statement, then into pop-art.
-biked 10 miles into the mountains in rain, sat in hot springs, biked back in snow
-took a spontaneous trip to a state park that was on fire, stayed at a hidden beach campsite
-churned credit cards to travel around the US
-turned down a great job offer to couchsurf and meet new people

Teach, Learn, Share

TEACH:

So I just got a master's in structural engineering with a focus on seismic design. That translates to I can teach you about how buildings perform in a seismic hazard and things to watch out for in an earthquake/any general questions about earthquake hazards.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A moment in time, maybe a meal or tea. Happy to talk about life, politics, or hobbies. Let's go to one of your favorite places. I am easygoing and happy to run around the city or hang at your place.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Nicaragua, Singapore, Switzerland, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States