Chicago born and raised. I lived abroad in Budapest, Hungary, as well as various cities in Vietnam during my 20s, and returned back to Chicago to pursue a degree in urban planning. Presently working as a Diversity Business Outreach Manager for Uptown's Chamber of Commerce and living in what once was the 2nd most diverse zip code in the nation; 60625, Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood. Traveled a lot throughout my 20s, and finally getting back into it in my 30s.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've traveled to a little over 20 countries in 4 continents, but never really used Couch Surfing for any of my travels. Getting back into international travel and am interested in meeting locals from around the globe when I do travel.

Interests

FOOD!!! history, culture, photography, meeting new people from around the globe and genuine human connection.

• graphic design
• photography
• backpacking
• travel
• cultures
• food lover

Music, Movies, and Books

Jazz, Blues, World Music, Cambodian Psychedelic Rock Music, Vietnamese music pre-1975, Oldies, Hip-Hop/Rap.

International films. TV is in it's golden age now, so more TV than movies.

Food books on culture and foodways, Haruki Murikami, too many to list...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Spending the day in Ha Long Bay--swimming with thousands of mountain islands lingering above, jumping off the top into the crystal blue waters, watching the sky turn from bright orange to a deep purple, falling asleep with the stars staring down, and waking up to a beautiful sunrise.

Teach, Learn, Share

We can all teach, learn, and share our respective cultures, cuisines, experiences with one another. Human connection and global understanding is dependent on this.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Currently can't host right now, but willing to share local activities to those visiting Chicago.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Guatemala, Ireland, Kosovo, Laos, Malaysia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Hungary, United States, Viet Nam