I'm a socialist and a secular humanist. I'm an outspoken person with deeply held convictions about social justice and equality . . . but I am also kind, generally polite, and I know how to read people and read a room. In other words, don't worry, I will try not to pick a fight with your conservative friend. ;-) I am friendly and talkative but can be shy depending on the situation.

Professionally, I've been working as an attorney for 5 years. But, I have also become an activist over the past year or two. Maybe not coincidentally, now I am considering becoming a high school or college teacher.

I didn't start traveling until my late 20s, but now I've caught the travel bug! I love the challenge of figuring out how to travel well on a budget. I think the budget itself leads to good experiences - for example, if you walk everywhere, you find things that aren't in the guidebooks. Also, while I have a decent sense of direction, I'm terrible with maps - which means I ask for directions a lot! - a great way to meet people and improve language skills.

My primary goal in traveling solo in South American - such a cliche, I know! - is to get outside my comfort zone, and to finally improve my Spanish after 15 years of being a beginner.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

This is my first time traveling solo! I used to be terrified of going somewhere alone, but now I feel pulled towards it and really want to have that experience before I get tied down with career or family. I'll be traveling in Colombia (possibly also Ecuador, Peru, and who knows) beginning in November 2016. My reason for Couchsurfing is to make friends while traveling and to live like a local! That is one of my favorite parts of traveling. Since I will be by myself, I think couchsurfing will be a great way to get to knw Colombians who want to spend time with travelers and to see the real side of Colombia. I will plan to spend some time in Bogota and nearby towns, then to Medellin and nearby towns. After that, we will see . . .

Interests

• wine
• running
• politics
• classical music
• hiking
• trail running
• budget travel
• eating
• activism
• chilling
• spanish language
• teaching english
• drinking beer

Music, Movies, and Books

Book: Autobiography of Malcolm X

Movies: Sideways, Once, The Motorcycle Diaries, documentaries

Music: Classical music. Otherwise, I have no music loyalty. I like 1 or 2 songs from each band or artist.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Travel-related, I've never used a taxi or uber to or from the airport in any city. My first introduction to a new country or city is figuring out how to arrive at my destination on public transport. It always gives me a small sense of accomplishment.

Non-travel related, I litigated voter protection lawsuits and helped protect voting rights in California. I would like to do more civil rights work.

Teach, Learn, Share

Never stop learning . . .

I can share simple but good cooking - fish, vegetables, eggs, potatoes, beans, etc. I can help you with English, and also with writing and editing (reading and writing is my only true talent).

I am considering changing to a career teaching high school or college, and might teach English in Colombia if the right opportunity comes along. I've always loved teaching and learning, especially languages, history, politics, and music.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I hope to be a good visitor to your household and your hometown during my stay! I really enjoy conversations about life, politics, and pretty much anything. I want to practice my Spanish with you, and if your parents speak only Spanish, all the better because it's immersion! I will share my curiosity about other cultures, some basic but useful cooking skills, practical every-day legal advice, and computer skills (but probably yours are better than mine ;-). I'd love some company exploring your hometown. I'd like to go running, hiking, and swimming with you if you like outdoors and fitness, and if not, just walking around the city. I would love to meet your family and friends. I love to just hang out in the garden, or have a beer or glass of wine, or hang out with your dogs and cats. :-)

Countries I’ve Visited

Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States