Hi! I'm an outgoing, creative-minded twenty-something people person who likes to be on the move as much as possible. I am a photojournalist, and also, at the moment, I manage an office in Houston, TX (which more stationery than I prefer but it is also super fun). I really live for connecting with other people, and along the way, I like to take pictures and make videos.

The world is full of good neighbors we haven't yet met, and I believe putting ourselves out there and connecting is the key to enhancing our happiness, safety, and progress as human beings.
I hope that my interactions and choices help create a better environment for all of us.

Sometimes when I'm traveling, I simply need a floor to crash on briefly between points A and B; but other times, I would love to spend some quality time visiting.
I love learning about other cultures and hearing and sharing life stories, especially with good food or while cooking with friends, or hiking, swimming, or dancing.
Really looking forward to meeting y'all and in the not-so-distant future, hosting folks at my (new) place!

You can see some of my work and get to know me a little better here: www.leanorabenkato.com

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm a frequent road traveler in the US and I really like the idea of staying with other people and connecting in a personal way. I definitely support the world being more neighborly, so Couchsurfing is a step towards connecting and fighting fear and isolation.

Interests

photography, crafts, reading, food, dancing, Texas and Libyan history, backpacking/hiking/camping, people.

• books
• photography
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• crafts
• politics
• news
• socializing
• hiking
• camping
• swimming
• food

Music, Movies, and Books

Totally in love with Gabriel Garcia Mendez' 100 Years of Solitude. I may be a little biased because it was given to me as a special gift, but it is also an amazing piece of writing. Next up would be some dystopian future novels: 1984 and Fahrenheit 451.
My current favorite movie is Das Lieben der Anderen (The Lives of Others) shown to me by my German-dwelling brother. So fascinating and a good slice of history.
Definitely a fan of some Netflix things (can't lie): OITNB, Criminal Minds (but so spooky), Parks & Rec, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (so lux), Grey's Anatomy (I know...)
Music: all sorts! Foreign rap, classical opera, American bluegrass and folk! Sometimes metal if I'm in the mood, too.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I travelled to my father's country of origin and met all of my relatives whom I'd never before met. It was amazing to be surrounded by people I both didn't know and totally, definitely knew-- who spoke a language I didn't speak yet-- but we didn't even need a common language to experience familial love!

Teach, Learn, Share

I love learning and sharing recipes, especially traditional or family recipes! I can teach a little two-step and swing, definitely some photo & videography, and I could totally teach anyone how to tie-dye. And I would love to learn anything really: hands-on skills, card games, a new language, or (especially) about a personal story.
I love sharing stories.
Also, I have benefitted a LOT from stretching more and getting adjusted (chiropractic visits)! So that's my current suggestion for anyone to improve their life right now.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I would love to take a portrait of you for you to keep. I find that my own fam doesn't get enough pictures of us when we're together, so I like to offer that whenever I can.
I'd also be glad to lend a hand if you need it, and I often have fresh baked goods with me, of course for sharing!

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Egypt, Italy, Libya, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States