Hello there!

I wanna introduce myself with one of my all-time favorite quotes by a man who inspires me to experience the world:

"Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s OK. The journey changes you; it should change you... You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind." - Anthony Bourdain

My name is Michael, but you're welcome to call me Mike! I'm a passionate creative looking to experience all the joys and wonders of the world. It all started with a dream of journeying to Japan when I was 6, and to this day, I still don't know why I said Japan, but I've grown fond of the country's culture.

I'm currently a senior majoring in Film Production at CSU Long Beach. I've lived in California all my life: 19 years in San Jose (aka Bay Area) and a year in Long Beach (SoCal).

I'm a passionate, old soul who loves to document my experiences of life and what it means to be a part of this world. I love to read, write, draw, take pictures, and film the world and its inhabitants (animals and people alike).

I'm a huge film buff and anime nerd. I'm currently filming a lifetime passion project of little 'homemade films' that I create from my writings and daily thoughts. Also, I'm working on this blog on my website (in the process of being made) on coffee because I enjoy a good cup of joe.

So, if you're ever down to meet up for coffee, I won't hesitate :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm super duper new to C.S. and accidentally paid for the verified thingy. However, I decided to keep it because I really wanna connect with people all over the world. That's what Anthony Bourdain did: He ate with locals, respected the land, dived into its culture, learned its roots and origins, and left a piece of himself everywhere he went.

I believe that what we do to the world, we do to ourselves. One simple smile to a stranger, one passionate embrace with a companion, one splendid meal shared goes a long way. It's our duty to make this world a better place for everyone. Why not start with a site that gives us the opportunity to do so?

Interests

• theater
• photography
• film making
• concerts
• film festivals
• coffee
• reading
• music
• hiking
• basketball
• astronomy
• philosophy
• food
• film
• sneakers
• roadtrips

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: Ikiru, Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Manchester by the Sea, A Ghost Story, Good Will Hunting, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Whiplash, La La Land, Moonlight, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Up, Wall-E, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Avengers Endgame, Free Solo

Anime: Kimi no Na wa (Your Name), Wolf Children, Spirited Away, 5 cm per Second, Garden of Words, Koe no Katachi, Violet Evergarden, Your Lie in April, etc.

Music: Ed Sheeran, George Ezra, James Bay, John Mayer, khai dreams, Cautious Clay, Tom Misch, Ady Suleiman, Daniel Caesar, Porter Robinson, etc. (honestly I vibe with anything)

Books: The Alchemist (a classic), Awakening Your Ikigai, The Abundance of Less, both Self-Reliance and Nature (works of Ralph Waldo Emerson), and A Cook's Tour (by the man himself, Anthony Bourdain). I highly recommend A Cook's Tour if you're both a foodie and traveller!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've witnessed an otherworldly meteor shower in Santa Cruz, CA back in '17 and had the opportunity to make a time lapse of it!

Teach, Learn, Share

I love talking about life and its wonders, spontaneity, coincidences, and philosophies. One day, I would love to become a film teacher. I love learning about film (theory, production, analysis) and I want to share the art with anyone I cross paths with.

Learning is a part of life, and I am its student. Sometimes, I can lose focus or not follow directions but for the most part, I learn pretty fast. Currently learning Japanese so if you're fluent, I am down to learn!

I can share my nerd-ery in film and my recommendations on things to watch!! Anything really :D

What I Can Share with Hosts

I believe that sharing a table and a meal with someone is how you are introduced to someone's inner self. From there, the ice is broken and it gets easier.

I respect what a host does. They share their home, their environment, their trust, and their time with people all around the world. I believe I can share my stories, exchange a good laugh, and a good cup of coffee or beer with my hosts. But most importantly, I can share my encounter with you: A soul meeting another soul. Kindred spirits alike. "Company is company, but good company is needed."

P.S. I'm also down to do a photo shoot!

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States