CURRENT MISSION

I'll be embarking on a trip through Central and South America and the Caribbean starting in late August 2015. I have no return flight booked! This is all possible due to my recent decision to go back to a "time rich, money poor" lifestyle! This switch happened when I decided to leave my job in May, 2015. Ultimately, I found that I wasn't fulfilled with the work I was doing and the thought of living that way for another 40 years didn't quite seem right.

So this trip was hatched in my brain. A journey that will hopefully allow me to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the diversity of nature and people that this planet has to offer. To explore alternative, unconventional ways of living life. To escape the fast paced tech bubble that is the San Francisco Bay Area. To develop new skills, especially those around reconnecting with the Earth (i.e. Permaculture), as well as finally becoming fluent in Spanish. To dance! I love dancing more than anything and I want to explore all the styles that Central and South America have to offer! To grow closer with my wonderful and loving girlfriend who will be joining me for most of the trip! To serve and volunteer my time, skills and energy towards worthy projects around the world. To recognize and really appreciate the incredible amount of privilege that I have in this world.

ABOUT ME

A strange mix of California, Texas, Puerto Rico and Argentina. Born in California to a Puerto Rican Mother and a Father who was raised in Argentina. I then moved to Texas for high school and college at the University of Texas where I studied Mechanical Engineering. Ultimately, home was calling me and after 7 years in Austin, Texas I moved back to the Bay Area. Since graduating I've worked several engineerings jobs, the most recent at Google, yet none of them really spoke to me. I recognize my privilege in that statement but still feel justified in seeking a career that resonates more!

PHILOSOPHY

Human's are funny and resilient creatures. We develop rules, patterns, and narratives to describe ourselves and the world around us. These are dictated through our upbringing, our culture, and our experience in general. Rarely are these original or unique.

It's important to evaluate and challenge these narratives and deep rooted assumption often. If not, you can find yourself leading a life and being a person that you don't really want to be. You will coast through life with eyes closed. So wake up and ask why! Never do something simply because someone before you did it....the status quo is the enemy of progress.

A quote that I always keep in mind:
"People never forget the truth, they just get better at lying"

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

My interest in the international experience began before I started using Couchsurfing, though I love the concept. I think there is no better way to experience a culture than through it's people and through their generosity and hospitality! To accept their full gift and pass that gift on to the next traveler that comes through your home.

I've believed strongly in this idea, so much that my friend and I started a student organization at the University of Texas to help exchange students meet each other and the local students, as well as to show them around and make it a bit easier to acclimate to the culture!

I want to host more on couchsurfing though. I think the more that we can do to develop a real human connection, that isn't dictated by money or exchange, the better!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I'm still relatively new to couchsurfing but want to host and surf much more!

Interests

Dancing. It's my therapy. My movement meditation. One of the few things in this world that gets me out of my own head...what a precious gift!

Permaculture. A design system that can be applied to almost all activities on this planet yet is traditionally focused on food production. One of the things that has given me hope for this world.

People! I love hearing what makes people tick. What their passions are. What their dreams are...the world will be beautiful when people get to live their dreams.

Education! Knowledge is power and I think everyone deserves a quality education. Though education is a term I use very broadly...it doesn't just mean textbooks and taking tests.

Music. I'm a budding guitar player but music is very important to me. It moves me beyond my control.

• culture
• design
• dancing
• education
• dining
• cooking
• vegetarian
• meditation
• technology
• music
• guitar
• sailing
• teaching
• engineering
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

Radiohead, the Shins, Sufjan Stevens, Arcade Fire, The Decemberists, Andrew Bird, Beatles, Beck, Bon Iver, Daft Punk, Iron and Wine, Ratatat and more

Books (Recent favorites): East of Eden, Dune, Midnight's Children, 100 Years of Solitude, Sacred Economics, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Middlesex

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was fortunate enough to sail around the Whitsunday Islands in Australia for 5 days...simply amazing.

Teach, Learn, Share

Currently, I'm trying my best to learn Spanish...so anyone who is willing to sit down and talk to me and listen to me struggle, I would appreciate immensely. On the bigger picture, I'm always looking to hear and talk about life philosophies and what we can do as individuals as well as groups to make this world a better place.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Plenty of stories to tell and a solid pair of big ears for listening. I also enjoy cooking, as a vegetarian I've had to learn how to make vegetables exciting! I also am good with technology and things around the house so if anything needs fixing I may be able to help out :)!

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Turkey, United States