“Paradise has never been about places. It exists in moments. In connection. In flashes across time.”

– Victoria Erickson

To me the difference between travel and vacation is this: When I vacation, I go with the people I came with, I experience a place, and I leave with the memories of that place. When I travel, I often go alone, I meet other travelers and locals who become fast friends, the place experiences me, and the people know I’ve been there. With travel, I don’t just visit a place - I impact it. And it impacts me.

I’ve traveled to almost 40 countries and I’ve discovered a lot of beauty in the world. But it has never been just about the places. It’s about the people. The connections. The moments that seem small but become unforgettable.

I believe travel teaches us how to live: To be open. To follow our intuition. To follow our hearts.

And travelers are a rare breed of people who insist on passion, dare to dream, and continually inspire each other. Even though we meet as strangers, we speak a common language. We connect instantly. We are a tribe.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

By being a good guest. By contributing my enthusiasm, spontaneity, skills and knowledge. By being a fun host. By making sure my guests have a good time. By being untypical. By being open, friendly, and willing to learn about all people, all cultures, everywhere. By spreading the word about couchsurfing so others know about it and can participate. By sharing my love of all things related to travel. And, most of all, by inspiring others to stop making excuses and BUY THAT TICKET to wherever they've always wanted to go!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I CouchSurfed in 8 cities in Scandinavia. In Barcelona and in Porto and Lisbon, Portugal. I've also CouchSurfed in Boston, DC, Baltimore, NYC, Toronto, Seattle, and San Diego before I moved here.

I've hosted quite a bit now. And I love it just about as much as surfing. I think in either regard, you're getting back as much as your giving. Always a great experience.

I've also participated in the community, attending and organizing events, all over the world.

Interests

Well, obviously, traveling but also hiking, running (I like but don't love - it's good exercise) exploring the city like a tourist and showing others around, theatre, concerts, independent and artsy movies, dancing, Japanese Karaoke, volunteering, baking cookies, trying new foods and restaurants, learning new things, and any activity that brings people together and creates a sense of community.

• concerts
• dancing
• dining
• baking
• exercise
• running
• coach
• meditation
• movies
• traveling
• karaoke
• hiking
• surfing
• sailing
• business
• volunteering

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In my travels, one of the most amazing things I've experienced again and again is the incredible kindness of strangers.

Other than that, experiencing a sunset at Angkor Wat. Magical.

Teach, Learn, Share

My skills/things I can offer/teach:

-Meditation - guidance and philosophy (I'm a student of Vipassana meditation, just getting into Zen also, and I attended a 6 day teaching by the Dalai Lama in 2008. I've facilitated intros, dharma talks, mindfulness hikes.)
-Parallel Parking - yep ;)
-Social Direction - where to go, what to do

I also have two businesses that allow me to share my greatest talents and fulfill my deepest mission in life: (1) As a Visionary Success Strategist, I help exceptionally smart, creative, and talented entrepreneurs to live intentionally, get clarity on their vision and purpose, and take effective, consistent action to reach their dreams; (2) As a Corporate Trainer, I provide life-changing workshops on leadership, innovation, conflict resolution, mindfulness, and stress management.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Bahamas, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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