PLEASE MESSAGE ME, BUT CONSIDER THIS FIRST:

San Francisco is a very popular destination, and hosts are short in supply! While I try to get back to people often, sometimes unable to send personal responses due to the flood of messages. That said, I often say yes to people who are passing through, but I ask for the following:

>>Send a request at least a couple of weeks ahead of time.
>>Ask for shorter stays, preferably on weekends
>>Out of town travelers only
>>Please have references (if you've been a host, that's a big plus!)
>>I only have space for one person!
>>You don't need to write me a sonnet, but an original message would be nice
>>Tell me something cool about yourself
>>Find the two hidden messages in my profile (including the "My Home" section)

En Español:
POR FAVOR MANDAME MENSAJE, PERO CONSIDERA ESTO PRIMERO:

San Francisco es un destino muy popular, y los hosts son cortos en el suministro! Mientras que intento responder a menudo, a veces no puedo debido a la gran cantidad de mensajes, así que por favor no lo tome como algo personal si no les acepto. Tipicamente, digo que sí a las personas que andan pasiando, pero le pido lo siguiente:

>> Mandame mensaje un par de semanas antes de venir.
>> Solicitar estancias más cortas, preferentemente los fines de semana
>> Por favor, tener referencias (preferible si usted ha sido un host)
>> Sólo tengo espacio para una persona!
>> No es necesario que me escriba un soneto, pero un mensaje original sería bueno
>> Dime algo interesante de ti mismo
>> Encuentra los dos mensajes ocultos en mi perfil (incluyendo la sección "Mi Casa").

I like to spend some time getting to know my guests and share the sights around San Francisco. If you are looking for a place to just spend the night and save on hotels, I am personally a fan of Hostelling International downtown (check them out!). That said, I am currently a grad student, and my schedule can be erratic sometimes, I will try my best to host if your trip jives with my free time!

IF THIS SOUNDS GOOD TO YOU GIVE ME A SHOUT!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I caught the travel bug at a young age since my family traveled a lot for my dad's job. Growing up did not stop me from travelling: I left San Francisco to go and live by myself in Edinburgh, Scotland at 17, to study microbiology. Moving away from home put a new perspective on my travelling interests, and since then I've wanted to travel and experience different cultures, foods, and ambiances even more!

I've been involved in couchsurfing for a couple years now, and really enjoy meeting people when I travel, and when I am at home. Being a host is always nice since you can meet many people from different walks of life.

Interests

I approach the world with intrigue, as there is so much to experience, see, learn, and enjoy. I'm quite open minded, and I'm always interested in hearing other perspectives to the world that we share.

I can talk for hours about microbiology, economics, or philosophy. I really enjoy reading about new developments in each of these fields, and learning new things about them. I also love discussing and learning from other people and the experiences they have had.

As for hobbies:

I really enjoy wine. It's a big part of my life since I am actively engaged in running a winery. That means I am always checking out the competition, and having loads of fun doing so!
I have an interest in languages, and always like learning a few words in different languages.
I really enjoy of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
Most of all I enjoy travelling and learning about new cultures.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Four most awesome things I've experienced in my travels:

1) Iguazú Falls. One of the most beautiful sites I've had the honour to visit.

2) Driving in the city of Sfax in Tunisia. In summary: Driving rules are very flexible, as are the type of vehicles on the road, and where you are allowed to drive them.

3) Mayan ruins in San Andres, El Salvador. It's a very strange experience going through a rain forest and ending up in a large clearing with tall pyramids.

4) The nightlife in Scotland. A unique experience.

Teach, Learn, Share

Live and let live.
Umberto Eco's Anti-library.

Ask me questions about microbiology (or biology in general), world languages, and world cultures! I also work in the wine business with a winery in California, and can give you some good advice on wines to try. I can also share this cool bit of info: You found one hidden message. Please sign your name twice at the end (after your awesome message of course).

What I Can Share with Hosts

I live very close to the Golden Gate Bridge, and the parks on the west side of San Francisco. So, if you are looking to do more urban hiking/biking on the scenic side of San Francisco, my couch is open. However much I would like to hike and bike all day, every day, I do have a 9-5 during the week, and can't always do these fun things during the when I get home, so at the very least I can share a nice dinner and some good recommendations.

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czech Republic, El Salvador, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, Malaysia, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Namibia, Nicaragua, North Korea, Northern Ireland, Norway, Paraguay, Saint Lucia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ireland, Malaysia, United Kingdom, United States