Hi there! We have been couch surfing for a few years now. Shuja grew up in New York City and Kira grew up in Dallas, TX. We've had the good fortune of traveling several parts of the world and a good deal of the US. We're relatively easy going and just had a baby! We love animals and have a chocolate lab of our own. Shuja is in medical school after spending time as a medic and engineer.

As far as what we like to do:
We love the outdoors, running, and visiting new locations, but are also comfortable just spending some time indoors watching a movie or in meaningful conversation.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet new people while traveling. We like the concept of CS for both the cost benefit as well as the multitude of friends we can make. One of my very good friends from college told me about this years ago but I haven't made time to travel till now.

Our last couch surfer turned into a roommate!

Interests

We love to hike as well as take in new cultures and meet people with different perspectives. Kira often tells me that I tend to make friends everywhere I go but personally I love meeting the different personalities that can be found throughout the world. I've heard that "variety is the spice of life" and found this to be true as it comes to people as well.

• animals
• dogs
• culture
• chocolate
• running
• politics
• traveling
• socializing
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• engineering

Music, Movies, and Books

I've always like rock and a little bit of mainstream music (guilty of liking a little Taylor Swift...) but have recently been interested in country music. This is a change for me as I had no interest in country when I first left NYC. I like movies of all types, except horror. I especially like action and comedies but will watch a serious movie if it is thought-provoking. As far as books, I'm a big fan of all types, especially classic literature. I'm trying to build my own library though my fiance is trying to get me to read more than I buy.

Kira's #1 love is for 90's rock, but enjoys everything from classical to heavy metal.. Its actually a little strange at times.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have served as a combat medic in Iraq where I was a part of a team that saved both soldiers and civlian lives. I don't agree with all the politics and reasons of war but what men and women will do to better the lives of those around them has always been inspirational to me.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you a little about my culture as a Pakistani-American as well as my language. I love to learn about other people's culture and lifestyle. Plus I share about most my experiences and the people and places I've had to fortune to meet or witness.

We also have a wonderful 85lb 4 year old puppy that we are training to be a therapy/hospital dog. Socializing him and traveling with him is very important so that he can one day bring joy to sick children.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share fun stories about my time growing up in NYC as well as traveling the world with the Army. I love to make people laugh and smile and the opportunity to help someone is inspiration enough for me to get through the day.

Kira loves to cook and would love to share her healthy cooking techniques with our guests/hosts.

Countries I’ve Visited

Afghanistan, Cambodia, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Grenada, India, Iraq, Italy, Kenya, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Grenada, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States