I'm currently living in Ashland, Oregon. I work for Oregon State University. I don't think we get many Couchsurfers this way, but if you're in the area, be sure to holler! I'd be happy to show you around the Rogue Valley.

No guarantees that I can host you, as I frequently travel for work, but if I'm in town then I'll do what I can.

I'm especially interested in hiking/camping/trekking/mountain climbing. A connection with nature is essential. Always down for a beer and good company. If there's live music, even better!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm looking for a state of mind rather than a destination. I'm much more interested in meeting people and making friends than simply checking off another country. I don't believe there is a perfect place out there but the people you meet make it all worthwhile.

Interests

• writing
• music festivals
• cooking
• beer
• running
• politics
• reading
• socializing
• music
• live music
• drums
• hiking
• camping
• badminton
• teaching
• philosophy
• mountains
• trekking
• feminism
• ultimate frisbee
• frisbee
• socialism
• environmentalism
• anarchy
• anti-consumerism

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC

I enjoy listening to nearly everything and love music festivals. My favorite genres are psych/garage/experimental rock. My favorite musician is David Bowie.
I play drums although on the road it's hard to play. If you have any musical instruments maybe we can jam.

MOVIES / T.V.

The Planet Earth and Blue Planet documentaries are amazing; they're a good reminder of the beauty our planet holds and why we must protect it, although we're failing very fast.
Blade Runner, Spike Jonze, Lost in Translation, Christopher Nolan, The Prestige, Gattaca, Groundhog Day, Miyazaki, Princess Mononoke, Evangelion, Cowboy Bebop, Rick and Morty, American Beauty, Black Panther, Waking Life, The Big Lebowski, Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Watchmen, Guillermo del Toro, Akira.
And Seinfeld will forever be the best comedy sitcom.

BOOKS

I'm an English major who used to be really into Kerouac, Burroughs, and Bukowski, I really enjoy the works of Phillip K. Dick and Haruki Murakami. I'm always looking to expand my knowledge of Latin America literature. Currently I read a lot of academic journals around wildfire and social vulnerability, not the most exciting but it's part of my job.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Reaching the summit of the sleeping lady, Iztaccihuatl.
Staring into the eyes of the goddess Kumari.
Feeling the energy of Glaciar Grey on the O trek in Torres del Paine.
Living and leaving my life of five years in China.
Being surrounded by the ethereal Himalayas.

Teach, Learn, Share

Stories, conversations, and good times. Pre-pandemic I lived in China for five years so we can talk about cultures in the East. I also spent three years backpacking Latin America and dream constantly about going back.

If you're outdoorsy or interested in backcountry adventures we can head to the mountains. There are some wonderful trails and lots of hiking potential around southern Oregon. I have some extra gear that you could borrow.

I love to cook, especially spicy food so we can also share a home cooked meal.

Languages- English, Spanish, or some Mandarin Chinese.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A couch! (duh)

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Bolivia, Cambodia, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Japan, Laos, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Chile, China, Colombia, Mexico, United States