CURRENT MISSION

A Writer and Photographer Who Wants to Explore the World

ABOUT ME

I'm a writer and photographer who has a passion for travel, but for financial reasons, I haven't been able to do much traveling outside the U.S. I am finally at the stage in my life where I can afford to travel, and it's amazing.

This summer, I am planning a cross country car ride, and I hope to meet you in one of the cities I will be visiting!

In August 2011, I visited Europe with my best friend, Thy. We did a crazy, backpacking trip of as many countries as we could visit. We went from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Scotland ... down to York, England... to London, England. Then, it was off to Italy - Rome, Florence, Venice, Verona, and Milan. We did visit Switzerland for the day, then it was off to Paris, France. It was my first couchsurfing experience. My hosts were great, and I had the time of my life!

Because I had such amazing hosts in Europe, I'd love to give back to the CS community and host cool CS folks in my apartment in St. Louis!

Outside of the U.S., I visit Vietnam every few years. I was born there, and most of my extended family still lives there. I am fluent in Vietnamese, but if you were to speak to me, you would never realize it. I have a 100 percent American accent.

Currently, I'm a portrait and wedding photographer, but I do writing (poetry, and fiction) in my spare time. My dream is to become a published author.

Sometimes, I'm an actress. I go on auditions, and occasionally I get the job. So far, I've only been in music videos, but it's a cool experience.

If you're interested, here's a YouTube video of one of the local commercials that I appeared in:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzcdfZJBofg

I'm also a huge dog lover, and I am obsessed with my shih tzu puppy, Gracie Lu. Feel free to check out her blog, www.GracieLuShihTzu.com, and you'll see my love for animals.

Food is another one of my passions. I absolutely love cooking. I often cook for my guests, so if you stay with me, you'll get a taste of some homemade Vietnamese food!

If you're interested in seeing my photography, my website www.zoelifephotography.com

So, in a nutshell. I love writing, photography, traveling, food, and my dog.

PHILOSOPHY

Always look on the bright side of things. Live life to the fullest. And do what it takes to be happy. Don't get stuck and being bored. And don't settle for just comfort.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I couchsurfed my way through Europe basically. It was an amazing experience, and I loved every second of it.

Now that I've moved to St. Louis and I have a larger apartment, I welcome visitors. I have plenty of space and I am looking forward to hosting! I love meeting people from all over, and hearing their stories, so that's why I love Couchsurfing so much!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

It's been a blast couchsurfing. I stayed with Laura and Ross in Glasglow, and Dave in York, England. I also stayed with Sandra in Milan. Everyone I have met through Couchsurfing has been incredibly nice and helpful!

I've been hosting quite a bit in St. Louis, and I've met some really interesting and cool people.

Interests

Photography, Writing, Reading, Cooking, Films, Listening to Music, Coffee, Watching Movies/Films, Dreaming about Traveling

• animals
• dogs
• culture
• writing
• poetry
• dining
• cooking
• coffee
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• blogging
• music
• backpacking
• tourism

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Backpacked across Europe with literally one backpack and a camera. My friend and I saw so many amazing things and met the coolest people on our journey. I think visiting the Vatican and seeing the Pope in real life was the greatest, most exciting experience in my life.

Teach, Learn, Share

When you go to Europe, expect that there will be no air conditioning. That was the biggest culture shock. In the USA, everyone has AC. Not so in Europe. In many places, they don't even have a fan. Expect the heat and enjoy the culture.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Fun stories!

Countries I’ve Visited

France, Italy, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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