I love the amazing people I have met on Couchsurfing! People opening up their hearts and homes to strangers is a breath of fresh air! I grew up traveling often with my family and we stayed with some amazing people. I feel so lucky and truly value the friendships that form in such different places.

My disappointment with progress along with my growing compassion and acceptance of others has reached new levels. This has led me to be more active in social, economical, and environmental activism.

I'm easy going, calm and am more of a morning bird than a night owl. I love exploring new places, live music, sunrises and sunsets, food, creating viewing art, gardening, conversations en español, traveling, hiking, and almost anything in the outdoors. I also LOVE learning about people's amazing stories.

I get along with people easily with the exception of people who are filled with hate, or are angry and manipulative. Our political, religious and personal beliefs should not stop us from getting along with others. However I don't want to be around fundamentalists who support hateful policies/politicians.

I am a writer, artist, self-defense instructor and urban farmer. I suffered from depression for 17 years and in my healing, I created a free online course for others to dive deeper into self-care. it is available on my website http://ImpowerYou.org.

PHILOSOPHY

Always bring a towel on your travelers.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm here because it's so fantastic to experience people opening up their hearts and homes to strangers.

My very first couchsurfing experience was with Ian, a fantastic person who showed me a new perspective of Boston. Despite his blindness, we explored much of the city by foot and transit. It was amazing.

Interests

- I love laid back concerts, not large venues with crowds of people.
- I don't like drinking or late night partying, but I love small parties and potlucks.
- I love vegan food, cooking and juicing.
- I'm down for rallies and activism as long as it is peaceful.

• arts
• writing
• books
• human rights
• traveling
• live music
• guitar
• outdoor activities
• volunteering
• parks
• nature
• dance
• activism
• veganism
• environmental justice
• organic farming
• creative writing
• hikes
• gender equality
• nonprofits
• food justice
• building things
• black lives matter
• lgbtq

Music, Movies, and Books

For books, I like non-fiction, poetry, science, and social issues. I used to read a few books each week when I was younger. These days, I usually only read one or two books a month.
"The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams, The Narnia Chronicles, "Outcasts United" by Warren St. John, "The Aquariums of Pyongyang", "Feminism is for Everybody" by Bell Hooks, and on and on!

I like most music in most genres. Elephant Revival, Anna Tijoux, Bomba Estereo, Camila Moreno, Kiyoshi, YoYo -Ma, and Angelique Kidjo are some of my favorite musicians.

I like indie movies like you would find at Sundance, but rarely watch movies in general. I don't care for popular box-office movies. Documentaries are usually interesting.

Fave Foods: Tacos, Nopales, Burritos, Pho, Most curries, Pad Thai, Vegan pizza, Spaghetti with tomato and salad!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I quit a job that caused me stress and illness to travel and see the world through work-trades. As of April 2018 I will have traveled non stop for eight months. I might return home to San Diego and get a job or I might stay for a few months and travel again.

Teach, Learn, Share

- I would love to teach you and friends self defense! (women/womyn/teen girls/LGBTQ).
- I can cook a delicious vegan dinner for you, or show you how to cook a vegan meal.
- I would love to hear about your life, your travels, your hopes and dreams.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can teach women/womyn and youth self-defense!
I can help with gardening and small home renovations.
I can cook you a plant based meal.
I will wash dishes and clean up after we eat!
I will clean up after myself and not leave or take anything.
I can bring tea or coffee as a gift to my host, which do you prefer?

Countries I’ve Visited

Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico