I never really liked these kinds of questions. You learn more about people by talking to them about anything and everything, not just by straight-up asking them to talk about themselves.

But anyway, I go by Denise or Nise, or whatever other variation you want to call me by. People like giving me nicknames, usually nice ones, and I just run with them.

I grew up in a pretty traditional Asian background, where school and career were pretty high up on the list of life priorities. So I did the whole education thing: four years and three part-time jobs later, I got my university degree in Geology with as little debt as possible. Since graduating university though, I've worked mostly with computers. But it's been more than two years since I quit my job. And I haven't looked back.

I'm not completely broke, but I still like to work odd jobs (teach English, work in hostels, wash dishes for meals, etc.) along the way to extend the time that I can travel without completely spending all my money. I also like the variety of experiences I collect while doing this. Someday, I'd like to try being a street musician for a while.

Normally, I travel by myself but always love meeting new people along the way. I do enjoy travelling with other people from time to time.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Since I'm usually travelling, I don't have a couch to offer at the moment. When I finally settle down somewhere, I will definitely host. But I'm always open to meeting up with people for food and drinks, or some exploring.

I've had mostly AMAZING experiences through my non-consecutive use of Couchsurfing (starting circa 2006-2007). Unfortunately, there have been a few bad times, but life needs to have this balance of good and bad. In the end, the positive experiences have always outnumbered and overpowered the negative ones, which is the very reason why I continue to believe in the good of the Couchsurfing community!

Interests

If there's good food or an amazing view, you can find me there!

New languages and cultures! Help me learn to say "cheers" in your language :D
So far, I know:
English (cheers), Cantonese (gom bui), Mandarin (gan bei), French (santé), German (prost), Portuguese (saúde), Spanish (salud), Japanese (kan pai), Catalan (salut), Swedish (skål), Dutch (proost), Italian (cin cin), Serbian (živeli), Romanian (noroc), Bulgarian (nazdrave)

Sports: baseball, basketball, football, ice hockey, American football. I can join you for any sporting event... just teach me about it so I can understand :D Especially cricket. I absolutely do not understand cricket, so any sort of explanation is much appreciated!

• education
• dining
• running
• partying
• drinking
• reading
• traveling
• music
• guitar
• sports
• baseball
• basketball
• cricket
• american football
• soccer
• hockey
• teaching
• geology
• languages
• budget travel

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: The Shawshank Redemption, Remember the Titans, Amelie, The Great Escape, Reservoir Dogs

Music: System of a Down, Arctic Monkeys, The Airborne Toxic Event, The Gaslight Anthem, Kid Cudi, A Day To Remember, Gorillaz, Against Me!

I don't read as much as I should, but I really love: We wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

My whole life for now is packed into one 20L bag.

I've also travelled to all 30 MLB ballparks in one summer! If you're interested in reading about my baseball adventures: http://30onthefly.wordpress.com

Teach, Learn, Share

My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard...I can teach you but I have to charge. No, just kidding, my milkshake does not bring anyone to the yard. And I don't charge.

Teach:
* basic guitar chords (maybe we can jam together?)
* budget travelling (if you want to join on my travels)
* how to make sushi (so we can have a sushi-making party!)
* the rules of American football and baseball (a lot of people seem to be interested in this?)
* whatever you want to know about (northern) California, Las Vegas, or Barcelona

I'd love to learn all about different languages and cultures. It'd be great to share some wonderful experiences with you too! Especially if it has to do with food :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, France, Gibraltar, Hungary, Italy, Laos, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Viet Nam, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

Hungary, Spain, United States