Hey there, fellow adventurers!

I'm John, and I'm here to bring some fun and excitement to your couch surfing experience! Picture this: a Young Adult fantasy author turned globetrotter, ready to share stories, laughter, and unforgettable moments with amazing people like you.

In 2018, I made a promise to myself to embrace life with open arms and let go of fear. And boy, did that decision change everything! I took my first leap across the pond and fell head over heels for the vibrant cultures of Europe. But alas, the world had other plans, and my dreams of traveling were put on hold. But guess what? I'm back now, and I'm more determined than ever to make up for lost time!

I have the incredible privilege of combining my two passions: writing and inspiring others. As the author of The Kalib Andrew's Chronicles, a thrilling Young Adult fantasy series, I get to dive into fantastical worlds and craft captivating stories. But that's not all! I also have the honor of traveling the globe, speaking to students about my writing journey, overcoming obstacles, and igniting a love for reading. It's like living in a never-ending adventure!

Now, let's talk about what kind of couch surfer I am. First things first, I'm all about cleanliness, so you can expect me to treat your space with the utmost respect. I firmly believe in the golden rule, and that means treating everyone I meet like the incredible humans they are. Respect, kindness, and good vibes are my jam!

And here's a little tidbit about my unique travel companion—meet Slothy, the adorable sloth plushie that accompanies me on my adventures. Slothy has a knack for spreading good vibes and is always up for a photo op. You can follow his adorable escapades and documentation of our journey on his Instagram handle @SlothySeesTheWorld.

I'm beyond excited to meet fantastic people like you, create lifelong friendships, and make memories that will last a lifetime. So, if you're up for an adventure, a good laugh, and some thought-provoking conversations, let's make it happen!

Together, let's continue living our best lives, one couch at a time!

Cheers,
John

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am on CouchSurfing because I have always believed in the inherent goodness of people. I value diversity, culture, and giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. It is important to me that everyone's voice is heard and respected. When I discovered CouchSurfering, I felt relieved to find a community that shares my passion for travel and connecting with different cultures. As Dr. Seuss once said, "A person's a person, no matter how small" - and this platform embodies that sentiment perfectly.

Interests

I love food. Tell me where to find the most authentic food in any given area and I am there.

• writing
• acting
• traveling
• camping
• solo travel
• adventure travel
• travel
• theatre
• harry potter
• comic books
• the beach
• creative writing
• musical theatre
• fantasy books

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite Music:

I love all kinds of music. I don't have a favorite artist, however I love Contemporary, Contemporary Musical Theatre, Soul, R'n'B and Acoustic

Favorite Movies:

Stand By Me
August Rush

Favorite Books:
The Harry Potter Series (I'm a HUGE HARRY POTTER FAN. Also I'm a Ravenclaw)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Africa, a young and curious version of me embarked on a family trip that would forever change my life. Picture this: we found ourselves in a bustling market, where vibrant colors, exotic scents, and the lively chatter of locals filled the air. But amidst the chaos, something extraordinary caught my attention. A distant drumbeat pulsed through the market, beckoning me like a siren's call.

Now, I must admit, what I did next might not have been the smartest move for a kid. But hey, sometimes you've got to follow your instincts, right? Without a second thought, I bravely left my family behind and embarked on a daring quest to find the source of that mesmerizing rhythm.

As if guided by some mysterious force, I weaved through the bustling market, following the irresistible beat. And there it was, like a beacon of rhythm, a humble drumshop tucked away in a corner. Inside, a young man, just a bit older than me, sat passionately playing his djembe. Our eyes met, and in that moment, we shared an unspoken connection.

Finally, breaking the silence, he asked me a question that would forever change my life… okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but for the sake of storytelling just roll with me. He asked, "Do you play?" Now, being the adventurous spirit I was, I replied with unwarranted confidence, "Sure! Well, I can hit a drum, at least." Little did I know what I was getting myself into.

He graciously motioned for me to step forward and handed me the djembe. With each beat, he patiently corrected my mistakes, guiding my hands and opening my ears to the magic of rhythm. It was a crash course in djembe playing, and boy, was I hooked!

Our time together was cut short when my family came searching for their wayward adventurer. Reluctantly, I bid my newfound mentor farewell, promising to return the next day. But alas, fate had other plans. When I returned to the drumshop, he had vanished, as if he had been nothing more than a captivating dream.

Though I never found him again, that encounter fueled my love for drumming and ignited a passion for exploring the world's diverse rhythms. So, here I am, ready to embark on new adventures, share stories, and maybe even jam with fellow couch surfers who are equally captivated by the power of music.

So, if you're up for some rhythm-infused fun…. We’ll, I’ve had zero days of training beyond that one encounter so I won’t pretend to be any good. But I still love a good time, and if you wanna teach me somethings, I’m happy to learn.

Teach, Learn, Share

As a passionate advocate for reading and storytelling, I have had the pleasure of speaking to students in various schools, igniting their imaginations and nurturing their love for literature. If you're interested in discussing the power of books, the art of storytelling, or even seeking recommendations for your next great read, I am always thrilled to engage in conversations on these subjects, and take recommendations also!

I have also had the incredible opportunity to tread the boards of regional theaters as a professional actor for several years. Whether you're an aspiring actor eager to dive into the world of theater or someone who simply wants to explore the art of performance, I am more than happy to share my expertise. Together, we can unlock the secrets of character development, stage presence, and the magic of bringing stories to life. It’s amazing how similar acting and writing can, I guess it’s because it’s all storytelling?

But there's more to me than just books and theater. I also know my way around a Yo-yo and can show you a few tricks. While I wouldn't call myself a pro, I have performed a yo-yo show on stage in front of a bunch of cheering children, so I guess I know a thing or two.

Beyond my specific areas of expertise, I embody the spirit of a lifelong learner. I believe that every experience, every conversation, and every interaction has the potential to teach us something new. So, if you're open to embarking on shared experiences and exchanging knowledge, I am eager to join you on this beautiful journey of discovery.

Let's come together, learn from one another, and create unforgettable memories along the way. Whether it's delving into the pages of a captivating story, diving into the depths of character exploration, or simply embracing the joy of lifelong learning, I am here, ready to share and grow with anyone who is willing to embark on this enriching adventure.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Despite my jovial online persona, I am actually quite shy. Writing comes more easily to me than being confident in person. However, once I warm up, I become talkative and enjoy engaging with new people. As a guest, I am respectful, grateful, and take pride in cleaning up after myself. I am also happy to lend a hand with any tasks or errands that hosts may need assistance with. Additionally, I would be delighted to share my knowledge and insights on acting or storytelling. And if you're a fan, I can also regale you with my extensive knowledge of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. Above all, I am excited to forge new friendships and create cherished experiences together.

Countries I’ve Visited

France, Germany, Ghana, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Nicaragua, Panama, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Costa Rica, United States