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Overview
About Me
Washington, DC, is where I’ve finally planted my feet—though it took my restless spirit what felt like a lifetime to settle. And by “lifetime,” I mean a sprawling, chaotic, globe-trotting odyssey that spanned continents, countries, and countless moments of self-discovery. Home, I’ve come to realize, isn’t a place you find; it’s a feeling you carry. And for me, that feeling is most alive when I’m wandering, lost and curious, in some corner of the world I’ve never seen before.
I’m a social entrepreneur, though that term feels too small to contain what I do. My work is less about business and more about kindness—about finding ways to connect with people in developing and emerging countries, to leave places a little better than I found them. Travel isn’t a hobby for me; it’s a way of being. It’s the lens through which I see the world and the tool I use to make sense of it. Along the way, I’ve documented my experiences, not just as a record of where I’ve been, but as a testament to the extraordinary people I’ve met. Their stories, I believe, are the real treasure of this journey.
Here’s a question that’s always haunted me: Does the walker choose the path, or does the path choose the walker? I was born in Libya, but I grew up everywhere and nowhere all at once. My childhood was a patchwork of places—Libya, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Germany, England, Brazil (a personal favorite), and so many others. I’ve driven cross-country in the U.S., wandered through Europe, and lost myself in the vibrant chaos of Latin America and the Middle East. Each place left its mark on me, but it’s the people I’ve met along the way who’ve shaped me the most.
Here’s what I’ve come to believe: We’re all living on borrowed time. And what makes that time meaningful isn’t the places we go or the things we achieve—it’s the connections we make. The friendships, the shared moments, the laughter, and even the struggles. Those are the things that give this chaotic, unpredictable ride we call life its depth and beauty.
So, what do I do? That’s a question I’m still answering. At my core, I’m an entrepreneur—a problem-solver, a creator, and occasionally, a troublemaker. It’s a life of long hours, endless challenges, and, let’s be honest, not much financial reward. But that’s the paradox of it, isn’t it? The things that matter most—the connections, the experiences, the sense of purpose—aren’t things you can put a price on. And that, I think, is the real essence of life.
Why I’m on Couchsurfing
Connecting and learning from people with substance. Learning from your stories and sharing mine.
Interests
Traveling, Cultures, People, Languages, Photography, Stories, Adventures, Food, Music, Beach, Little things about your culture and town that only you know.
- culture
- fashion
- photography
- dining
- cooking
- running
- technology
- traveling
- blogging
- investing
- music
- animation
- business
- entrepreneurship
- languages
- beaches
Music, Movies, and Books
Ask me to pick a favorite song, a favorite book, or a favorite movie, and I’ll laugh. Not because the question is absurd, but because it’s impossible. It’s like asking a parent to choose a favorite child or a traveler to name a single place that feels like home. The truth is, my love for music, books, and movies isn’t about ranking or hierarchy—it’s about connection.
Here’s the thing: I don’t think we’re meant to have favorites. Favorites are about narrowing down, and life is about opening up. It’s about discovering new songs, new stories, new worlds. It’s about letting yourself be surprised, moved, and transformed. So, ask me again what my favorite music, book, or movie is, and I’ll tell you this: It’s the one I’m listening to, reading, or watching right now. Because in this moment, it’s exactly what I need. And isn’t that the point?
One Amazing Thing I’ve Done
Survived various war zones :)
Lived in 5 Continents (Africa, Asia, North America, Europe, South America)
Teach, Learn, Share
I didn’t grow up in one place—I grew up in "places". Plural. My childhood was a patchwork of countries, cultures, and experiences, each one leaving its mark on me in ways I’m still unraveling. And even now, as an adult, I haven’t stopped moving. Travel isn’t just something I do; it’s something I am. It’s how I see the world, how I learn, and how I connect. But here’s the thing about growing up everywhere: it doesn’t just teach you about the world—it teaches you about yourself. And what I’ve learned is that I’m a collector of stories, a builder of bridges, and a firm believer in the power of shared experiences.
Professionally, I’m a startup social entrepreneur, which is a fancy way of saying I’m in the business of solving problems and creating opportunities. I love working with young entrepreneurs, teaching them how to launch businesses, market their ideas, and turn their visions into reality. There’s something deeply satisfying about helping someone take that first step, about watching an idea take root and grow. But here’s the secret: I don’t just teach—I learn. Every conversation, every collaboration, every challenge is a chance to expand my own understanding. And that’s what I’m here for: to share what I’ve learned over the years and to hear your stories in return. Because knowledge, I’ve come to believe, isn’t something you hoard—it’s something you exchange.
Now, let’s talk about food. If there’s one thing that transcends borders and brings people together, it’s a good meal. I’ve picked up recipes and techniques from all over the world, and I’d love to teach you how to cook some of them. Or, if you’d rather skip the lesson and just enjoy the results, I’m happy to cook for you. There’s something deeply personal about sharing a meal, about sitting down together and breaking bread. It’s a moment of connection, of warmth, of humanity. And in a world that often feels divided, those moments matter more than ever.
So, here’s my invitation to you: Let’s share. Let’s swap stories, exchange ideas, and maybe even cook something together. Because at the end of the day, that’s what life is all about—connection. And who knows? Maybe we’ll both walk away with something we didn’t have before.
What I Can Share with Hosts
Any thing you are interested in and anything I know anything about :)
Countries I’ve Visited
Afghanistan, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, England, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Libya, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, United States, Uruguay
Countries I’ve Lived In
Afghanistan, Germany, India, Libya, Pakistan, United Kingdom, United States