Originally from San Diego, California, I packed my bags up during the summer of 2010 to chase my dream of starting a life in Japan. The stars aligned and my chance to move to Okinawa presented itself, and I never looked back.

I am absolutely in LOVE with Okinawan culture, and the Ryukyu spirit. It is simple, and I believe highlights the essence of humanity. I am a sickenly optimistic and positive person, and I truly believe that no matter our differences, we can share positive influences with each other.

WHAT I DO:

A little bit of everything, but my main job is running an elementary school cafeteria. My side hustles include English conversation/career coaching, teaching house dance and cultivating the dance community here, voice over, and being a foodie.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Definitely open to connecting with anyone and I really enjoy finding out everyone's life's missions! No matter what walks of life we all come from, we can influence each other in a positive way. I'd like to help you in any way that I can, and can definitely show you around Okinawa!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

CS adventure tally:

Jill, Mamoru, Don, Juan-Jo, Keita, Eli, Steffi Weffi

*So far, my CS adventures have all been very positive, and very fun! Through these individuals, I have learned to be much more free-spirited and outgoing, as I believe that this is a great way to truly get the most out of life...

Interests

HOUSE DANCE // COOKING // PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND COACHING // UNLOCKING PEOPLE'S TRUE POTENTIAL // BROADENING PERSPECTIVES // KARAOKE // DISCOVERING CULTURES THROUGH FOOD

• culture
• dancing
• cooking
• recipes
• traveling
• music
• guitar
• karaoke
• cycling

Music, Movies, and Books

Any 80s action movie, foreign romance films, mean girls (underrated)//House music (deep, soulful, funky), electro, 80s love ballads, hair metal, early 90s hip hop//retrowave//lo-fi//city pop//TATSURO YAMASHITA.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Moving out of my hometown with no job, not much money, and a few suitcases to move back to the island that I fell in love with as a kid to start from scratch.

Teach, Learn, Share

I want to teach and spread house dance culture everywhere! I've been house dancing since 2007 and I have fallen in love with the music, people, and energy that this dance culture brings!! Let's communicate on the dance floor!

I can also teach you a thing or two about cooking, though I am constantly looking to learn new recipes!

What I Can Share with Hosts

English Conversation
Career Coaching
Life Advice
Motivation
Cooking Skills
House dance

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Greece, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, Philippines, United States