CURRENT MISSION

Experience new cultures. Learn new customs. Make new friends and many more memories.

ABOUT ME

A year and a half ago, Kjelsie and I had this crazy idea to study abroad and then backpack when when we got done.

I still can't believe we're here.

I've learned a lot about me here though. For example, I value my family (+ Hillarie) deeply and being without them even for 5 months seems too long.

I like dinosaurs, rice pudding, and arches.

Sometimes Celtic music can fix my entire day.

Hillarie is the sister I never had.

Kjelsie is the most positive person I know, and the best possible backpacking matey.

I aspire to be like my mother, but with the sense of humor of my father.

I appreciate the sophistication of the city, but I love the country. The space, the air, the freedom. Give me a sunset over a mall, any day.

I don't want to grow up. No matter what though, I will be a student for life.

I refuse to pass judgment on anybody without giving them a fair trial. I believe everybody has something to bring to the table and offer the world.

PHILOSOPHY

Never let anyone or any thing (especially money) keep you from striving for and doing what you really want. You deserve it--no matter what they say.

Love constantly, but don't fall in love too soon.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Well, so far, all I can do is mooch and experience this from a consuming-end, because I'll be traveling through Europe until the middle of June. I look forward however, to meeting many people through surfing myself and hosting. If you're in the Midwest of the US, come see me in South Dakota!!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Very minimal... I've only been hosted by one person thus far, but it was MARVELOUS! I look forward to surfing more, and hosting as well.

Interests

Hockey, traveling (obviously), reading/writing, dinosaurs, maps, history, Cranium, rock climbing, Kinder chocolate, hiking, ultimate frisbee, hanging with my fam, politics, the Pacific Northwest, postsecret.

I love going up to the lake with my family and devoting all my time and energy to them.

Presently, I have been loving uploading my blog! It's all about our backpacking trips. Check it out:
http://kjmkeurotrek.blogspot.com/

Seeing the world through a new set of eyes.

• writing
• singing
• dancing
• cooking
• chocolate
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• blogging
• music
• hiking
• backpacking
• surfing
• rock climbing
• hockey
• cartography
• history
• languages
• study abroad

Music, Movies, and Books

The Things They Carried, by Tim O'Brien
Harry Potter :D
A Separate Peace, by Jack Knowles
1984, by George Orwell
Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

Music--I like many different kinds of music, but anything by Ben Gibbard is genius.

Movie--Fight Club, El Orphaneo (sp?), Boondock Saints, and Love Actually--all top the list

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've rode a camel around the great pyramids.
I've seen the sunrise.
I've hiked through the Alpujarras.
I've done a handstand in 5 countries, and counting.
I've sea-kayaked in Lagos.
I've stood on top of the Eiffel tower.
I've fallen in and back out of love.
I've danced in a million different venues.

Teach, Learn, Share

I would like to teach the world to sing. :D

And love each other. Differences and all. I think it's our differences that make us beautiful as a whole.

I want to learn how to cook different cuisines, speak different languages, dance through different cultures.

Countries I’ve Visited

Czech Republic, Egypt, Germany, Sweden

Countries I’ve Lived In

Spain, United States