CURRENT MISSION

To boldly go where many have gone before…
I’m on a working holiday in Japan and want to see as much of this beautiful country as I can before I go home to Canada on May 21. I’ve randomly developed an interest in hiking, so my first hike ever was May 2 -the Kumano Kodo. Japan was a great place to start.
As of right now I’m cat sitting in Yokohama May 4-19, so want to do as many day trips as possible!

ABOUT ME

My given name is Shonara but most people call me Shar. I'm an easygoing person and appreciate the little things. I prefer to run on a flexible schedule.
I’ve just finished a ski season in Inawashiro (Fukushima prefecture) and am almost out of money due to an unfortunate mishap with a rental car last week. I am currently unemployed as I travel. This means money is really tight right now, so I'm getting pretty good at scouting out free/cheap stuff, mostly outdoors or in bars (still lacking in rainy day things).

PHILOSOPHY

Take every opportunity. Regret nothing. Enjoy everything. Jump in headfirst.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

People need to connect more in this world. What better way to meet people and make friends than by crashing on their couch and letting them crash on yours? Bonding through sharing experiences and travel stories. CS is a great way to see a city like a local and show yours off in the best light.

Interests

I love to travel, and I take whatever opportunity I can to do so.
I also love hearing about other people's travels and cultural experiences.
I love skiing and just achieved my ISIA certification. I'm also learning how to skate.
Soft spot for salsa dancing and, above all, good food. Anything from classy hors d'oevres to a well done mac n cheese.
I'm a huge Harry Potter fan.
I'm just recently becoming a movie junkie so always looking for recommendations on must sees!

• dancing
• salsa dancing
• dining
• drinking
• traveling
• socializing
• swimming
• food
• harry potter
• star wars
• marvel

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: Harry Potter!, Marvel comics, Margaret Atwood
Movies: Marvel movies, Planet of the Apes (1968), Star Wars, Indiana Jones, zombie flicks and silver screen classics (especially with Jack Lemmon)
Music: made between 1960-1990, especially classic rock a la Queen and the Doors, but I do also like 80's pop music. And the occasional top 40 hit might strike a chord.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Climbed the 15-metre walls of Óbidos, Portugal. Witnessed sea turtles swimming into the wild from a sanctuary in the Mayan Riviera. Hitchhiked from Barcelona to Valencia on a whim. Last week I drove from Nagoya to Koriyama in two days with no tolls.

Teach, Learn, Share

I know a few languages and can share those with you (English, Spanish, Genetics, Wizarding British). A few days with me and you'll learn how to appreciate every day and live vicariously in every moment! I can teach you a little about genetics and representation of science in the media, and also how to survive a zombie apocalypse.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I’ll cook for you, teach you English and Spanish, teach you salsa dancing, and I’m great company if there’s something you want to do in your hometown.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Panama, Portugal, Scotland, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Spain