I was born and mostly raised in Portland, Oregon, USA. I recently graduated from Oberlin College and am currently living in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, working as an English teacher at Syiah Kuala University.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Meeting, talking to, and staying with strangers, from around the world has been a wonderful, eye-opening experience in my travels. The warmth, kindness, and hospitality of strangers gives me a lot of hope. Always trying to meet cool people of course. Here in Banda Aceh I can probably (depending on schedule) show you around, take you to some good restaurants.

Interests

I like reading a lot and I think it would be cool to write books someday. I really like learning; ideally I would always be learning something. Since late 2016 I've been basically addicted to reading the news, which is not really a good thing. I like running and going to the gym and listening to music though here in Banda Aceh the first option is a little difficult. I REALLY like climbing mountains and would like to climb more mountains. Even big hills are acceptable too.

• books
• cooking
• cheese
• vegetarian
• running
• reading
• traveling
• music
• cycling

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: You know, cool stuff. As of late: Kendrick Lamar, Sufjan Stevens, A$AP Rocky, The War on Drugs, Sharon van Etten, Big Boi, Fleetwood Mac, Darkside. Most recently: Mitski, Whack World

Movies: I dunno, cool stuff? I've recently gotten really into movies. Last thing I watched was "Heat." Also I've been watching some serious TV to the tune of Parks & Rec, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, West Wing, Adventure Time, Steven Universe, Bob's Burgers. And there will always be a special place in my heart for Twin Peaks. also Firefly. Most recently: Russian Doll!

Books: Daniel Pinkwater, Junot Diaz (!!!! but , George Saunders, Kelly Link, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Karen Russell, Annie Dillard, Jeffrey Eugenides, Marilynne Robinson, Jonathan Franzen, David Foster Wallace, Elena Ferrante, Ted Chiang !!!!. I feel nostalgic about lots of YA fantasy, like Lloyd Alexander, Susan Cooper, Harry Potter of course, Holes.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Climbed a mountain, bicycled across the United States, poached an egg. Moved to Indonesia, had an incredible amount of stomach problems, fell off a motorbike, climbed a couple mountains.

Teach, Learn, Share

Basic bicycle maintenance, some fun facts about cheese, vegetarian cooking.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can cook (vegetarian) dinner, do dishes, clean, do laundry. Can share my knowledge of various topics. Most recently I learned a bunch about the Green Revolution, so that's cool.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, England, France, French Guiana, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Norway, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uruguay

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, French Guiana, Indonesia, United States