Hi Everyone! My name is Vitecha, however mostly go by V, and I am new to the couch surfing world! I am born and raised in California but have spent the last 5 years living and studying in New York City. I am currently 23 years young and super stoked on life. While I enjoyed attending college in NYC, as it has taught me many life lessons, I could not help but feel suffocated by the institution. I had bigger plans for life than conforming to the traditional system and now that I have graduated, I have saved and sold everything I have to my name in order to pursue my dreams of traveling the world. Although it was difficult letting go, as I have formed many great friendships, I feel this is the right path for me and I am looking forward to the friends and experiences I will make moving forward.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Throughout these past 23 years, I have been fortunate enough to travel the world, both by my parents side and recently on my own as well. Over the course of time I have realized that while all countries are unique and stunning in their own right, the greatest part of any journey are the people and friendships you make on the road. There is nothing I appreciate more than connecting with travelers and local people alike. I have not joined couch surfing for a free room and will go wherever the good people are whether it be a couch, hostel, hotel, or a tent on the beach.

Interests

I consider myself to be a very passionate and open person. I am a man of many interests and hungry to explore everything this world has to offer. With that said, I am an avid surfer and have been chasing waves everywhere I have gone for the past 6 years. From Long Island, New York to Pavones, Costa Rica, this is something that drives me and has exposed me to unique communities across the globe. On top of this, I have a rapidly growing interest in art. My main outlets include, photography, film making, and writing. I have created a blog to share my work with the world and plan on updating my website as I travel. You can check it out at www.thekookscompass.com and learn a bit more about me. Although I have many more interests, I will leave it to our future conversations to bring them to light. I am a lover of the good times and will always be content with living in the moment, whatever that may be.

• arts
• culture
• writing
• photography
• film making
• cooking
• traveling
• blogging
• surfing
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Life wouldn't be the same without music. I am a big fan of rock, from classic to indie, I love it all. I also have a soft spot for oldies as my dad played these tunes often while I was growing up and by doing so, has ingrained this style of music in my heart. Some names I enjoy: Simon & Garfunkel, Nirvana, The Black Keys, RHCP, Death Cab for Cutie, Bob Marley, Beck, The Beatles. Just to name a few.

Books: Anything Hemingway. I also love travel diaries/guides, as well as self help books like: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. I went through a book collecting phase and am still always on the lookout for a good book. The classics really get me going.

Movies: Through some sick twist, I am a fanatic for war movies. Name it, I've probably seen it. That and A Midnight in Paris.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

As I embark on this journey, I have decided to place charity on the forefront of my travels. I will be constantly looking for opportunities in which I can lend a hand and connect with locals through the act of giving. By the time you read this, I will have traveled to Cuba in order to donate surfboards to the children of Havana who, do to the trade embargo, have struggled to find decent equipment to ride the waves of their country. I feel so strongly about surfing that I believe sharing this passion of mine will greatly enhance the quality of life for the youth in Cuba. I have been so incredibly fortunate to have grown up in the situation that I have. I feel in debt from the many gifts I have received and would love nothing more than the opportunity to pay it forward.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm not really sure what to put here but I am open to teaching, learning, and sharing! I would love to teach and share with you any of the skills I have acquired if they are of interest to you. cough* lets surf cough* On your part, I would greatly appreciate learning anything you have to share about your culture, way of life, and language!

What I Can Share with Hosts

First an foremost I would like to share some good conversation and laughs with my host. If we could make that happen then my journey will be a success. With that out of the way, please put me to work! I will gladly help out with any chores or duties you have around the house or with your life in general. I am still weary on the idea of staying in someones home for free as I do not like to take handouts, so having a job for me to do will make me very happy. A quick little fact is I have worked many jobs in my lifetime. I grew up in a restaurant family so can cook quite well. I have been a personal trainer so I know a thing or two about health and the human body. I have also worked construction in New York City so if you need something fixed, or require a helping hand with a home project I'm the man for the job. I am passionate about all of these subjects, so please do not hesitate to ask as it would actually make my day.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, China, Costa Rica, England, Guam, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Thailand, United States