I teach in the English Department of the University of Illinois. During my long summer breaks and winter breaks (spring breaks as well!), I enjoy getting away and out of the country when possible. Though I’m an old Airbnb pro, I’ve never used Couchsurfing before, but friends have praised it. Besides just traveling the world, I’m trying to do some travel writing this year by investigating unknown aspects of the lands I visit. Touristy is fine but I am more interested in the side of your culture than most other visitors never get to see. I love literature, music, folktales, mythology, spirituality (such as Buddhism and Daoism), and history. I am very open-minded and adaptable and enjoy starting conversations with total strangers and hearing their stories. I am willing to hang out, or giving you your privacy. I am comfortable with quiet meditation, or long solo hikes or walks enjoying natural beauty, small villages, or even the buzz of crazy city streets. I am equally comfortable going out with groups of people, socializing, and laughing the night away. I am Vietnamese American and grew up in the United States.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Meet friends, experience culture, hear personal stories about real lives

Interests

• writing
• literature
• meditation
• walking
• music
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• historic sites
• beaches
• mountains
• underground culture
• storytelling
• dining out
• foodie
• city life
• temples

Music, Movies, and Books

Rock, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Classical, Chopin, Debussy, Mahler, Sibelius, Jazz, Miles Davis, Coltrane, R & B, Amadeus, School of Rock, Bladerunner, Apocalypse Now, Toni Morrison, science fiction, Steinbeck, Mishima, Borges

Teach, Learn, Share

English conversation and lessons. I want to learn new languages.

What I Can Share with Hosts

My experiences, cooking skills, and humor!

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, England, France, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United States, Viet Nam