Hi! I'm from Oregon, studying Humanities (mainly Journalism, Writing and Music) in California and currently traveling Europe after finishing my study abroad program in Valencia, Spain.

My mission in life is to be happy and create value. I'm extremely passionate about storytelling, journalism and art. I love forging genuine and profound connections with people, and I love learning.

I play violin, mandolin and piano and love to write/record songs on my free time. I enjoy spending time with others, but also find contentment spending time with myself, going on walks, writing, reading, people-watching or drawing.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I want to learn from those around me and make friends all over the world. My favorite traveling experiences have been "non-touristy," and with locals. I'd love to experience a new place with someone who knows the area well.

Interests

• cooking
• music
• storytelling
• sustainability
• buddhism
• arts education

Music, Movies, and Books

I love all types of music, and am constantly creating new playlists for my friends and family to correspond with moods, seasons or moments (I'd love to share them with fellow couch surfers!)
My "go-to" musical artists/bands are:
Young The Giant (specifically their Open Sessions, where they play their songs outdoors and acoustically) Shakey Graves, Vulfpeck, Flight of the Conchords, Natalia Lafourcade, Lianne La Havas, Sufjan Stevens.
But you can also catch me listening to anything from OutKast to Beethoven to Lorde to Janis Joplin.

Movies: Also eclectic-
Anything by Wes Anderson, Sunset Boulevard, Lady Bird, La La Land, The Spirit of the Beehive, Amélie, Slumdog Millionaire, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. I love love love documentaries.
I've read and watched the Harry Potter books/movies a bazillion times, and just started re-reading them again in Spanish!

As far as T.V goes, I love The Office, Queer Eye, Gilmore Girls, How I Met Your Mother, Avatar The Last Airbender, I'm starting to get into political shows/standup, and really like Hasan Minhaj and John Oliver.

Books:
I love reading! Some of my favorites are: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, The Elegance of the Hedgehog, The Color Purple, The Goldfinch, The Secret History and The God of Small Things.

I love podcasts above all, and hope to work on or create my own one day. I love Invisibilia, This American Life, Fresh Air, 2 Dope Queens, Homecoming, The Moth, etc...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Played violin with my ensemble at Carnegie Hall, went hiking or backpacking every single Friday for two years, cut sugar from my diet for five years (because my dentist scared me into thinking my cavities were bugs!) Spent last semester visiting with and speaking to Spanish-speaking detainees/refugees in Southern California.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you mandolin or violin, we can write a song together, cook a meal together, or explore the city/outdoors together.
If you're looking to improve your English skills, I have a lot of experience teaching English! I'd love to learn about your language in return.
I can help with revising/editing writing, cooking, tidying up/feng shui-ing your home, or giving planning/organizing tips!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'd love to share as much as I can-- stories, humor, card games, advice, songs, illustrations, etc.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Panama, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

Spain, United States