I grew up in an average suburb in an average town leading a happy yet average childhood. But slowly as my horizon began to widen the inherent urge to explore that laid silent within me for so many years began to reveal itself. At 16 I visited my sister in Southern California where my world was flipped upside down. From that point on the grass was ALWAYS greener. Do I struggle to live in the present? Unfortunately yes. I would love some pro-tips on the subject.

I am the youngest of four and have three older sisters and therefore am a pretty sensitive guy, for better or for worse. I love my family. We constantly have a group text going in which poop jokes and pictures of my nephews are a plenty. Oh, and being an Uncle is probably the best thing that has ever happened to me.

I played soccer from the age of *womb* until my senior year in high school. In that time I won a state, regional, and national championship (you totally don't care but this was an accomplishment para mi). In my high school days I played semi-professional paintball, volleyball, snowboarding, and two years of basketball where I made a total of 2 baskets... never really got the hang of it.

I have tried my hand at entrepreneurial ventures creating everything from marijuana infused K-Cups to Zero-Waste Adventure Apparel. My friends, professors, and coaches consider me a strong leader and a very passionate individual.

College, as it turns out, isn't really my thing as of now. Socially it's amazing, but I guess I just do not agree with the bureaucracy in place. If you want to hear my spiel than you'll have to ask me all about it. Would love someone to vent to haha

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Adventure courses through my vanes like a flooding river down a narrow bed. It is my bread and butter. What makes me happy, what keeps me grounded, and what raises me off the earth. Now that I am finally able to take on some real adventures I have a great expedition before me. In late May I will be leaving for Colombia and ever so slowly working my way west and south for about 3 months. Words cannot describe my excitement.

BUT as of Jan 16, my apartment in North Philly caught fire; rendering me homeless. Alas! What an incredible opportunity to begin my adventure now!! As opposed to finding an apartment to stay in for 3 months I have decided to consistently couchsurf on a week-to-week basis for at least one month, at which time I will reassess and determine my future course.

Interests

You could've guessed it, but adventure sports are first on this list. Currently I rock climb, hike, backpack, and mountaineer. However, I would love to one day try my hand at skydiving, wingsuit piloting, kayaking, cave diving, and any other adventure sport that sparks my interest. I'm open to all.

Currently I am practicing Yoga weekly, meditating daily, and learning scuba diving. I am vegan so I cook most of my meals therefore cooking has become one of my interests.

I love to read as of late, especially epics. I'll shame you in Mario Kart on N64.

All of this is trumped, of course, by good friends and high spirits (both kinds of spirits ;) ).

Music, Movies, and Books

Music- Hate this question because it varies so much!

For my folk I like Old Crow Medicine Show, The Sheepdogs, Yonder Mountain String Band

For my rap I enjoy soul-filled music and intelligent lyricists so Jay-Z, Mf Doom, Lupe Fiasco are a few that i frequent

My hipster stuff varies so much.. as a taste I enjoy Dr Dog, the Strokes, Coconut Records, Grizzly Bear, the Apache Relay, Portugal. the Man, etc

And all the different kinds of classics.. from the Mamas and the Papas, to Pink Floyd, to Sublime

Favorite Book- EASY "Lonesome Dove" by Lary McMurtry

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

As we snailed along our hard-ridden CR-V along an old abandoned dirt-road, we sat dumbstruck by the divine vastness of the breathing green plains that carried for hundreds of thousands of square miles.

The only house we passed, a tiny farmhouse that would seem all too abandoned if not for all the kids running around! Well, kids in the traditional sense: baby goats. What started as two startled goats in the middle of our path quickly became 30 strong as the herd quickly filed into formation as the two startled goats hollered for help. Running straight along the dirt road, in the same direction my girlfriend and I were headed, they had no idea what to do. If I had not gotten out of the car and herded them from the road to the shallow bank we would have chased them from South to North Dakota.

As the sun set we sparked the interest of some very curious and welcoming wild horses. We had a brief conversation and were introduced to the lands before slipping even further into the emptiness of the grasslands.

After realizing we were beyond eyesight and earshot we stripped naked and ran to the top of a small hill. Because when else can you do that?! It was liberating.

In fear of setting up camp in the dark we quickly found a spot that suited our liking, prepared our cold soup (a fire would have destroyed the grasslands) and snuggled into our tent. I woke in the middle of the night to the sound of howling, barks, and whimpers. A large pack of coyotes probably 8 strong were strolling through their lands in search of an early breakfast. At that moment, my heart was full.

TL;DR-- Primitive camping in the buffalo gap grasslands with baby goats, wild horses, and a pack of coyotes. Pure serenity completely isolated from the outside world

Teach, Learn, Share

I would love to learn how to be a savvy traveler and live more simply. Most importantly I need to learn how to live in the moment.

I am also learning spanish and could always use pointers on backpacking and rock climbing.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share household responsibilities and smiles upon smiles. I am very willing to help out when needed, so please just ask!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, England, Italy, Switzerland