CURRENT MISSION

To live life authentically and adventurously no matter how small the challenge. To overcome fears, bad experiences and say fuck it yolo. To discover surprises when you least expect them. To grow emotionally and spiritually and live my best life always. To give up expectations and instead trade them for gratitude. To understand others on a deep level despite personality, barriers and borders. To gain a sense of IKIGAI in my work life and in my real life. To influence the world and others in a positive way.

My mission when I first started couchsurfing:

"To break out of the tourist shell, experience life as a local anywhere. To meet amazing people all around the world. To push my comfort zone and live life differently."

ABOUT ME

I am a student who I recently moved from South Korea to London for a graduate program in International Relations . I had my first taste of travel back in 2010 when I lived and studied abroad in Europe!! I always have an appetite to learn about new cultures and countries around the world.

I am passionate, ambitious, genuine, free thinking, fun and self-sufficient. I truly appreciate making and keeping deep connections with others no matter the length of our relationship.

PHILOSOPHY

My personal philosophy about life includes:

-Don't waste time on material possessions because in the end you die and they don't matter. I rather spend my money on an experience and be broke then to have all the riches in the world and never leave my doorstep.
-Never to judge anyone based on appearance, always have an open mind and heart to strangers
-Take chances and risk you never know where life will lead you
-Try something new and bold, what's the worst that can happened?
-Strangers are friends you haven't met yet :)

Here is a Quote from the beach which I found after my short time traveling to be very true! "And me, I still believe in paradise. But now at least I know it's not some place you can look for, 'cause it's not where you go. It's how you feel for a moment in your life when you're a part of something, and if you find that moment... it lasts forever..."

"Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it." - Greg Anderson

My most important motto or word of advice and how I live my life is to ... always treat others how you want to be treated, even if they don't deserve it. Maybe its just my Californian hospitality but I always give people the benefit of the doubt and try to see the good in others.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I hope to meet amazing people around the world who I can learn from and who can learn from me. I always appreciate the opportunity to meet and make friends from all around the world. I've had the great pleasure of hosting and surfing a few times already. I really want to continue. The only request I have for anyone who wishes to surf with me is to return the favor =)

I might not be on here all the time so if you really want to get a hold of me feel free to e-mail me at agotliebucsb@gmail.com

Hope to be hearing from you soon!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I consider myself still a novice couchsurfer! I had the great pleasure to have been hosted a few times and even hosted. I do want to host some more!!! I also love local couchsurfing events in multiple cities!! Its so much fun to meet other travelers and locals. I hope to become more active in my local couchsurfing community as well.

During this last month (April 2012) I traveled to and around Europe for the second time and was lucky enough to meet 2 very kind friends who allowed me to visit their home. They went above and beyond and helped me gain a new perspective and experience to traveling. I hope that one day I can return the favor once I start hosting others!

....... And through out the 3 years in college I have hosted and been hosted by many college students and friends! Its all been fun! And I am very grateful for anyone who has helped me out!

Interests

music,languages, history, cuisine, friends, nature, fun, biking, skating, tennis, & the beach!

& Traveling of course!!!!!! I will have a link to my blog soon about my adventures to far off destinations and all the amazing people I run into all the time :)

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSE, Arctic Monkeys , Best Coast, Skrillex, The Black Keys, Coldplay, One Republic, Calvin Harris, Mumford and Sons, Odesza, Alesso,

FAV Movies:
Ingorious Basterds
Moon
Amelie
Cloud Atlas
The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Paris Je T'aime
Alpha Dog
Life is Beautiful

Metisse ou "Cafe au Lait"
American History X
Elephant
Fav Authors:
Shakespeare
Edgar Allan Poe

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In February 2014 I started teaching and living in South Korea. I lived there for 2.5 years .It was a wonderful experience!!! I made so many friends, traveled to many cities and most of all I learned a lot and adapted to the unique and interesting culture!

Summer 2013 I had a great job in NYC/Boston. I lived there for the summer and met and worked with a lot of really cool people from all over the world. It was nice to have the chance to live on the East Coast instead of visiting. I fell more in love with New York City and got to explore Boston and it's suburbs. I also visited Connecticut and New Jersey.

April 2012, I visited Europe for 18 days with my best friend Nancy who was studying abroad. We went to London, Barcelona, Paris and Amsterdam. Although most the these cities I have already visited back in 2010 I had a great time re-discovering them and gaining new experiences this time around. Some noteworthly experiences I must point out include: I CSurfed for the first time in London & Paris! I finally went to Versailles. I got to ride on the back of a vespa on a lovely slightly rainy night in Paris with a cute Italian gentleman. My friend and I rented bikes and got ride around Amsterdam.

Summer 2010, I lived and studied in Brighton, England and visited Scotland and Ireland. London, Kent, Canterbury, Stonenege, Bath, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Oxford & Dublin. It was the best time in my life!!!! I truly discovered my love for the British Isles and UK& Irish culture.
After leaving England and before arriving in Italy I was so lucky to visit France. It has been my dream to visit France since I was a little girl and it super-exceeded my expectations. Paris was mostly definately everything everyone says it is. Just beautiful, dynamic, welcoming, and cultural. I was also able to visit Lyon for a few days in which I also fell in love with.
Fall 2010 I lived in Siena Italy for a semester. I truly feel like I picked the best city to sample a taste of authentic Italian culture. I was bold enough to go even though I didn't speak a word of Italian and had the opportunity to live with a host family. I was forced to quickly adjust to customs and over come the language barrier. It was somewhat of a struggle but now looking back, it was the most exciting way to learn a new language and new way of life.

For all these trips I have stayed at various hostels. Which I have grown to appreciate. However I truly feel like couch surfing would help me break out of the TOURIST shell and experience a place through the eye of the local. I want to live like Europeans live! I don't want to be an observer anymore. I hope I will find kind people who can help me with that. =)

Before my trip to Europe I went to New York for a week. It was pretty awesome. I stayed in mutlitple hostels in Uptown Manhattan, the best one being HI New York hostel. Very big, dynamic, beautiful, warming and fun.
Back in 2009 I went to Seattle during spring break. Randomly one day my best friend Jerry, decided we wanted to go so we booked our flights a few days before leaving.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A lifetime of friendship, unforgettable memories, an ear to listen to, a shoulder to cry on, a friend to laugh with or at, stimulating conversations, great and friendly company, wine, soju, mekju, snacks, a bomb home-made dinner, a dine out, and of course a free membership to my home whenever wherever!

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Macao, Netherlands, Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States