CURRENT MISSION

Enjoy life and help others at the same time. Meet new people, and see things along the way.

CURRENT LOCATION:
2019 Will be mixed between Colombia for friends and medical appointments, and Seattle for family and work, with a couple of brief stops in Mexico (layover and to see friends). See contact info below.

ABOUT ME:
I have been living in Medellin, Colombia for an average of 10 months a year since 2013. Mostly doing volunteer work in poor neighborhoods helping with English, and as a guide (money I make goes to charity), and I pay the bills with some paid teaching work, mixed with savings from working in the states occasionally.

I am not into clubs and partying, I prefer culture and I love to meet new good people and have conversations. Language exchange events, light hikes, simple bike riding, etc. I like to maximize my trips and extend them the best that I can, so I think Couchsurfing and sharing experiences with people is great.

I only have so much money and there are many places on my list to visit (mostly to see friends). I could spend $100 a night to stay in hotels in Honolulu and some places like that, but with that same amount, I could stay almost a week in some places in Asia or South America (or maybe 2 nights = 7 including food maybe sometimes). So if I go to Honolulu or Oahu I will look to couch surf or something as I don't want to spend too much to go there again. (each trip has a monetary value before the fact)
Also if I spend too much on one trip, it takes away from other trips and the programs I help with ( I volunteer, donating time and money). If you want me to visit your area, please keep these things in mind, and if you have a spare room or know of a cheap room, please let me know ;)

IMPORTANT NOTE:
I have narcolepsy, so when i am tired, I might look sad or something, but I am OK, just a huge feeling of sleepiness. To help fight this disorder, I often take a nap before going out, to recharge.

PHILOSOPHY
Do unto others as you would like done unto you.

CONTACT INFO:
WhatsApp @ Colombia cell +57 3177473350
Cell when in Mexico 5588017998
cell when in USA (253)468-7840
profemateo13@gmail.com
FACEBOOK - "shane talmage" (only two people with my name)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

If it works with my schedule occasionally I help show people around and I am a part time tour guide for $. I am familiar with my area and can give advise. For Medellin, I have a couple of facebook groups, including "English teachers Medellin". Mostly when I am on vacation I try to immerse myself in the people and activities and try to make it the best and most positive experience I can for me and others. I am not the boss where I live now, so I typically can not offer a coush for people. visited 10 states (4.44%)Create your own visited map of The World

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Through travbuddy.com and CS, I have stayed with friends when I was in Norway and germany, learning experiences and not easy but very rewarding and good for me to learn about myself and mixing with others. 2.5 weeks in Norway, tough to do when with a somewhat stranger(chatted a lot online for 2 months prior though).
Have met many great people through these sites at events, and through groups, mostly in Medellin where I currently live.

************** I HAVE REFERENCES HERE, IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING HOSTING ME IN THE FUTURE PLEASE SEE REFERENCES ON HERE AND VOUCHES ON TRAVBUDDY. I WOULD HOPE YOU WOULD CHAT WITH ME A BIT AND GET A FEEL OF WHO I AM OR CHECK MY TRAVBUDDY WEB PAGE I MENTIONED ON HERE IF YOU ARE UNCERTAIN ABOUT ANYTHING. THERE ARE MANY VOUCHES INCLUDING ONES FROM FAMILIES AND FEMALE HOSTS. any questions just please ask , thankyou!! :)
Both the host and the guest should feel comfortable, and communication before the fact and during the stay is very important.

Interests

hiking, biking, meeting new people, seeing new places and enjoying new foods... tv and movies relax me or thoughts of travel and chatting with friends.. I pretty much want to go any place that is not to dangerous(war zones or lawless regions do not sound fun) so you might not see it on my to do list here, but if invited u never know i might just go :) i got invited to norway and 1 week later i had my tickets, 2 weeks i was on a plane!!

I enjoy making people laugh, yes i can be serious, but often our daily lives are serious enough so things like music, laughter, conversing, etc. all make life better in my opinion. I like to joke and love when i can make others smile as i said, i enjoy making other people feel good in general. sometimes my jokes dont always work, so i hope you have patience with me and realize my intentions are good.

• culture
• dining
• movies
• tv
• traveling
• music
• cycling
• hiking

Music, Movies, and Books

movies: check www.myspace.com/mr_shanet to see a list of movies i like same with music.. 2009 favorites = SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE AND THE HANGOVER

love love love music, my ipod is probably the most important thing i travel with, i can walk through a city or be on a bus and the time goes by much better and i am dancing or singing along if the right music :)

not much of a reader, unless national geographic, travel stuff, or maybe my mom's readers digest :)

for moveies i like feel good(not to girlie and sappy though- no chick flicks please) and i like action comedy, good action, or soem drama comdey.. no psycho or horror thriller stuff.
some of my favorite movies = Lord of the Rings, pirates of the Carribean, Underworld, Slumdog Millionair, V for Vendetta, take the lead(antonio banderas), Dave, the American President, Doc Hollywood, oceans 11, happy gilmore/zohan/50 first dates = i like adam sandler, iron man, hangover....etc.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

just some amazing people helping me realize what good and great things are out there.
waking up to an Imams prayer call at 5am in Yogyakarta indonesia, for the 1st time interacting with people of the islamic faith and learning about there religion and also how it interacts with there local customs. it is nice to experience things first hand, i have a different look on life after these kind of experiences. Even if its not my cup of tea its still a good experience and makes me less naive about certain things in life.

Teach, Learn, Share

people i can learn from. When i travel around with locals i learn stuff i would not other wise.

I would like to improve my SPANISH speaking skills, and also i enjoy helping others learn english or improve a bit.. even if i help them just a little, then others help them a little, u add it all up and sooner or later they will be every good :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

my stories in general and that I am my own person, and to not judge me by the flag that i represent or by my appearance.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Germany, Indonesia, Jamaica, Mexico, Norway, Peru, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Colombia, United States

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