CURRENT MISSION

Backpacking through Latin America

ABOUT ME

An optimist who laughs a lot . A wanderer who rambles a lot. A nerd who reads not enough. A chatterbox who enjoys talking to all sorts of people. An expert of pantomime. A pseudo-gastronomist who peruses cookbooks, watches Food Network, researches food culture, but doesn't cook enough. On top of all, an adventurer who loves thrilling road trips, scenic train rides and delectables of all forms and flavors.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I like couches.

And to get to know their owners.

And to share my culture, my musings with them. Also to learn about theirs.

Interests

• writing
• literature
• photography
• hiking
• cultural studies
• history
• road trips
• culinary arts

Music, Movies, and Books

My taste for music is pretty eclectic. A little bit of everything. Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald. And Chance the Rapper, Kendrick Lamar, Fetty Wap. And Schubert, Schumann, Mozart, Beethoven, Ravel. And Tame Impala, David Bryne, Alabama Shakes.

Hard to conclude what my favorite books are. But, books I enjoyed recently include those by Junot Diaz, Ernest Hemingway, Toni Morrison, short stories by Flannery O'conner, poetry by Elizabeth bishop, Ross Gay. Currently reading The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen.

Again, hard to pick a few favorites. The ones I enjoyed over the past year are Babette's Feast, the Great Beauty, The Piano, The Big Short.

Movies

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

This was totally unplanned. It was a misty, windy day by the ocean. My friends and I had hiked up to a somewhat exclusive bay at Point Reyes, CA. We had set up camp, refueled our bodies, and stashed away smellables. On the beach, a few of us jumped right into the water, while the more reserved strolled on the sand. The bolder, braver ones waded further out to crash into waves. I stayed close to shore as the waves grew bigger and louder. And through a thin layer of mist, I saw the back of a friend, butt-naked. His trunks had been washed away while he frolicked in the sea. I looked over at my two other friends who stood in closer vicinity to me and I knew they saw it, too. We shared a great laugh. And as though telepathically, the three of us all took off our swimsuits. A hint of embarrassment soon melted into the embrace of the Pacific Ocean. We yelled out at the others on the beach to do the same. And one by one, even the shyest skinny-dipped into the ocean. The twelve of us had not all been friends with one another at the trailhead, and now we only had water between us. The water was cold, but we grew warmer, closer to one another.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach Mandarin and English. I've worked as a cook and a barista so I'd be happy to show you some Sichuanese and Californian recipes.

I want to learn Spanish, local cuisine, salsa, bachata, merengue, samba.

I'd be happy to share and learn about local folklores, historical and mythical sagas, pop music, and TV shows.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I strive to be a good story-teller. So, good conversations. I'm also a good sport in general.

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Japan, Mexico, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, United States

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