I'm Indian by ethnicity, was raised in Chicago, and have been living in Latin America (Colombia) for the past 5+ years! I work in Global health and international development, and that's what brought me to Colombia originally, but I really truly love living here and plan to live in Colombia long-term. I don't fully identify with any one nationality (I don't feel proud to be a US citizen, but don't feel I can call myself fully Indian or Colombian either), but I carry what resonates with me from all three cultures!

I work in Global Health (impact investing + teaching several courses) and have a small startup teaching business English, but apart from that, I really enjoy my involvement in several city projects, and am learning a great deal about decolonization, community empowerment, and the Andean region.

I founded and facilitate an Arts and Culture community in Medellin, a group for artists and those passionate about arts + culture to find each other and build connection and community, and we put together weekly get-togethers! These include poetry circles, picnics in the park where people come and draw and paint, local movie nights with discussion about what we watch, and live music nights with emerging local artists! We also are in the process of putting together an art fair and setting up an art gallery to support the artists in our group.

I also "founded" a collective related to the gentrification happening in Medellin. We know that the city worked hard to attract tourism and a more positive global image, and it's great that it's beginning to achieve that, but we want to bring together different stakeholders to talk through the impacts of that, the impacts of migration and mobility within the city, and how we can minimize and mitigate some of that negative impact. I know that as a foreigner I shouldn't be the face of this collective, and am actively looking for someone from Medellin who's willing to step up into a leadership role for this!

I'm also currently learning Portuguese and the Siku (a very special flute which has its origins in the indigenous cultures of the Andes region, particularly among the Aymara people. It's believed to date back to pre-Inca civilizations!). I studied Portuguese in a Brazilian government program throughout last year, and received a certification for B2, but of course, need to practice much more to feel comfortable and fluid with the language.

En fin - I've got a lot of irons in the fire, love to learn, and it's important to me to be a lifelong learner. A crucial part of that learning for me comes through travel and cultural exchange. I look forward to meeting you (future host or surfer) and talking more!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love to understand different perspectives of life and the world through the lens of culture, and the human to human connection that Couchsurfing offers! When it comes to solo traveling, you never feel alone with couch surfing. With all of the conflict and pain that we inflict on each other as human beings, it's always been special in the couchsurfing community to see the power of human kindness and generosity on this page!

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite Music: I'm really enjoying Andean instrumental music lately, as well as Bossa Nova!

Favorite movies/shows: I'm currently really enjoying rewatching Monk, watching the Legend of Korra, and I generally really like sci-fi, documentaries/indie movies with social commentary, and mystery-related shows and movies!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

7 years ago I had lots of adrenaline-related feats here, but I think now the most amazing thing I've done has been to fully relocate, build a career, and build community in a new country! It wasn't easy and I am proud of myself for doing it!

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: perhaps something simple on the siku!
Learn: I want to learn about your experiences where you live and how that's shaped who you are!
Share: I want to share stories! Storytelling is one of the most beautiful things we have in this life

What I Can Share with Hosts

While I'm not a great cook, I'm happy to help with cooking! I can share what I've learned along this life journey and share my perspectives, and I can share an open ear to learn from you as well!

Countries I’ve Visited

Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Myanmar, Romania, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Colombia, Italy, United States