CURRENT MISSION

"Even after all this time, the sun never says to the Earth, "You owe me." Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky." - Hafiz

ABOUT ME

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A GENEROUS THANK YOU TO ALL for your care and concern over the recent disasters in Japan. If you would like to help, there are options that you can find in each of your locations. Donations can also be made directly to the Japanese Red Cross, see this site for details

http://www.jrc.or.jp/english/relief/l4/Vcms4_00002070.html

If you are considering volunteer opportunities in the affected areas, please contact me and I can try to locate organizations that match your needs.

Thanks again, you've all been wonderful! May you continue to keep Japan in your thoughts.
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My father (so eloquently!) says I resemble a goldfish. "You have such a bad memory you could be dangling a trail of shit and never realize its even there"

As you can see, I am full of exemplary qualities such as these.

PHILOSOPHY

My book titled THE TAO OF LISA MAEHATA will be completed by the time I am 95.

This is a notebook scribbled with incongruous ideas and loopy tangents. I cannot guarantee it will be legible, or even comprehensible.

Once I have done that I have done everything I could ever dream of accomplishing in my lifetime (Keeping a notebook and actually writing in it each day, add to that not losing it).

But then again what are accomplishments?

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Whole heartedly, with genuine enthusiasm and interest. Belief!

Most recently I was a backpacking tour guide; I love showing people my country,its magnitude and subtleties - Passionately believe that it is one of the best in the world. I am so lucky to be from here and I know it, and I will do everything in my power to help you feel the same!

Being hosted is an experience like no other - I value the people-connections more than anything and it is what I take away from my trips and hold on to. Breathes life into a country, my travels, my self :D

*NOTE, I will not "guide you" around Tokyo, nor do I appreciate requests for hand-typed city guides. I do not give "recommendations" to people I have not met in person because I like helping people on a personal level, I consider internet communication impersonal. How could I possibly give you a good recommendation without knowing you? I want to know that the place is right for you, and that you are right for the place.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Beyond words, beyond words - CouchSurfing has brought me to where I am now. Not exaggerating!

Interests

My interests are quite simple and human - Everything I do, I do merely because I enjoy - Things should never need a name, boundary or categorization!

Everything that provokes, moves or gives joy. 70% of the time it has something to do with chocolate.

• writing
• books
• chocolate
• music
• backpacking
• swimming
• tourism
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

This is a question that always displeases me.

I have many good friends whose music, movie and book choices I do not agree with. Despite all odds (Oh there can be miracles!) we get along splendidly and I am glad, that upon first meeting we never asked each other what our favorites were.

However if you plan to gift me a book I'd appreciate a cookbook from your country.

If you plan to gift me a movie I'd like to see your most embarrassing home video.

If you plan to gift me music let it be the words, "It doesn't particularly matter to me, what your favorites are, and you don't have to hear me talk about mine either."

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'd love to talk about them in person, and would love more than anything to hear yours too.

One amazing thing I want and plan to do - Swim with wild orcas.

Teach, Learn, Share

"This is the beginnings of the future CouchSurfing University(...) From esoteric knowledge to practical skills, you have special knowledge that others will benefit from knowing."

Esoteric - I think life doesn't end at death. So I promised my sisters I'd haunt them and hum Elvis tunes, sometimes appear and do a little jig. If you would also like this free music service, please befriend and notify me in the next 70 years.

Practical - If you are having trouble achieving homemade ice cream that is perfectly creamy, use alcohol. Alcohol does not freeze and will allow you to achieve this texture.

Special - If you listen to Elvis tunes and simultaneously, eat your homemade spiked-ice cream, you can experience something Special.

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