My name is Monique--- I have no idea why it won't let me change my name to my real one!

People that know me would describe me as charming, quirky, outgoing, adventurous, loud with my jokes... People that know me well get to see my other side which is reflective and constantly seeking for truth. Both my parents are from different countries (Colombia and France) and I think that that has helped shape me into the woman I am today. Growing up in a household that embraces diversity has made me not only tolerant, but enthusiastic about other cultures.

I work the legit 8-5, a job which luckily requires that I travel 25% of the year. I love to ride my bicycle by myself around town, collect vinyl records, used bookstores are my kryptonite it's seriously very beauty & the beast, concerts, music festivals (most recent was lolla 14' in Chicago), anticipating the next World Cup, art exhibits, cultural events, trying new restaurants, traveling, and just having a good ol' time!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Traveling is wonderful but traveling and making a new friend is even better!

Interests

Traveling, writing, delicious food, literature, different cultures, stimulating conversation.

• arts
• writing
• literature
• beauty
• concerts
• music festivals
• festivals
• dining
• wine
• traveling
• music
• hiking
• world cup

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: House of the Spirits (Allende), Tender is the Night (Fitzgerald), Of Love and other Demons (Marquez), The Sun also Rises (Hemingway)... I will admit Harry Potter holds a special place in mi corazón. Lorca is my favorite poet, although I cannot lie I am a fan of the Beat Generation... Yes, I realize this makes me sound like a pretentious coffee house person. I don't drink coffee and I promise I don't do acro yoga every where I go!

Movies: Gone with the Wind, Stealing Beauty, Mal Educación, Rumble Fish, Angel Heart, Pulp Fiction, When Harry Met Sally.

Shows: Twin Peaks, Any chef competition or travel show, Game of Thrones, True Detectives, House of Cards, Homeland, The Knick, Road Rules/Real World The Challenge (so addictive!).

Music: Erykah Badu, David Bowie, Prince, Jane's Addiction, Fleetwood Mac, Gypsy Kings, The Radio Dept., Led Zeppelin, Getz & Gilberto, The Fugees, R. Kelly, Tame Impala, Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong, Chromeo, Beach House, M83, Blood Orange, Johnny Polygon, Carlos Vives, Verse, The Weeknd.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

When I was in Patagonia I was left breathless by the raw beauty that was there. Whether it was in the day time with its limitless hikes that offer jaw dropping views, or in the night when the stars reflected against the water!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Wine, hugs, and friendship!

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, France, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay

Countries I’ve Lived In

Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, United States