Hello!

My name is Mischa Lopiano, and I'm going to be a living in New Zealand for a year (probably).

I'm very neat, and fun to be around (I hope!). I’m from California, but I just spent two years guiding in Alaska, so if you have any questions, I have sooo many weird little facts about bears, eagles, glaciers, etc.

My father owns an Italian restaurant in Northern California, so I like to cook and try new foods.

I'm addicted to the trill of life and to waking up to something new everyday. I'm ready for adventure. Let's hang out!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm heading to New Zealand for a year, and I intend to be all over the place, but If I'm settled in my own place, you're free to come stay with me and I'll show you what I've discovered there.

Interests

My first love is photography. I love that there's always something new to learn and always new people to teach. Ask me anything about photography and I will talk shop with you all day long.

I'm into all things outdoors. Lately, I've been wanting to do more whitewater and climbing, but I left all my gear in the States. I also want to climb all the mountains! Let's go!

Being the son of a chef, I love to cook. In my own home, you'll usually find me in the kitchen whipping up dinner for my friends or family. I love making new meals, so if you can teach me your favorite recipe, I promise to remember it. My favorite meal right now is a sweet potato and kale tortilla soup.

• dogs
• photography
• cooking
• drinking
• shopping
• traveling
• podcasts
• cycling
• whitewater rafting
• swimming
• climbing
• hiking,
• hiking mountains
• hiking in the mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

I will listen to anything. I mostly listen to the radio in my car so half the time I'm just flipping through to whatever catches my ear.

MOVIES I went to a school where they taught film, and after I learned the three act structure and about how movies have pretty much the same arc, it ruined a lot of movies for me. I look for movies that break away from the conventional format. I've recently enjoyed Birdman, A Place Beyond the Pines, Stoker, City of God, pretty much anything Wes Anderson. I'm also a sucker silly movies and TV shows..

LITERATURE: Recently finished the Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan, and if you have too, let’s chat. I’ve read a lot of naturalism and environmental literature and I’m looking to borrow some Edward Abbey, so I can trade you some books if you have any!

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you mostly anything you'd like to know about digital photography. I recently bought a film camera, but since my first introduction to photography was straight into digital, I've never actually shot with film before. Teach me what you know about different film types and recommend me a good one!

I can also read your tarot!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I will cook for you, clean for you, adventure with you, drink with you, and if you want I'll take your new awesome Facebook profile photo.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belize, El Salvador

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States