"My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness" -Dalai Lama

Right now I finished studying abroad in at the Universidade de Vigo in Spain studying Spanish as a second language. Now, I'm backpacking across Europe as much as I can! I firmly believe happiness starts with a smile, and I try to bring that smile with me wherever I go. I want to travel the world, and meet many new people along the way.

I think that one person has the capacity to create a ripple effect with those around him/her, and that one person can change the world. My personal goal is change through social action and activism.

I love people, a lot. I think that we have to tell each other that we love them a lot more, even between friends. It breaks down barriers because gravitas is the enemy.

I thoroughly enjoy deep talks, but I also love relaxing and goofing off. Sometimes just having a drink (alcoholic or non alcoholic- doesn't really matter) with friends and talking is the best thing in the world. Other times I like to dance. I have two left feet, but that's not gonna stop this train wreck.

I love religion and spirituality. I'm much more spiritual than religious, but I believe that there are many paths up the mountain. I don't think there is any one "right religion", but rather each one has a piece of the full picture.

I am a very outdoors type of person and like being active. I really like hiking, rock climbing, swimming, and other activities such as this. I also meditate a lot and love to meditate with others. After I studied in Thailand, it became a part of my life.

I think bubble tea is one of the best things in the world. Right along with hugs and travel (don't worry, I know some people aren't a big fan of hugs ;)

I also believe humans are innately good creatures. Between everything in our biology and our neuroscience, being a good person is wired into our genes and I think that's one of the coolest things ever. Just think about that for a sec: we are born to attain happiness through being good people. What a beautiful thing that is.

I have recently become a pescatarian while studying in Spain. I studied the animal industry and honestly loathe it. I don't have a problem with people, more so just the animal industry. I probably won't talk about it unless you ask.

My friends call me a hippie, but I don't really smoke or do other drugs. I just really love people and want to spread kindness where I can. I don't think that's too bad.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I want to travel the world and learn as much as I can. My hope is that by meeting new people in these different parts of the world I can get a better cultural perspective of life.

One of the most sobering things about travel is realizing how much you don't know. It helps me keep growing, and never become complacent with myself.

One of my favorite quotes by Thich Nhat Hanh is "For things to reveal themselves to us, we need to be ready to abandon our views about them". That's kind of what traveling does for me; it keeps my mind open.

Interests

• culture
• meditation
• reading
• traveling
• music
• live music
• hiking
• martial arts
• rock climbing
• swimming
• languages
• neuroscience
• psychology
• adventure travel
• food
• sustainability
• meeting people
• peace
• live concerts

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite book is "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn.

My favorite movie is Forest Gump.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have climbed the tallest peak in Central America.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Some fun travel stories, some decent cooking, meditation, endless hugs if you are that type of person (if not that's totally cool and I respect that) and hopefully a new friendship!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, England, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Ireland, Israel, Morocco, Portugal, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Spain, Thailand, United States