My best memories in places I've visited around the world have been when I stayed with a local resident or been given informal tours by local residents - either people I met briefly on my travels and reconnected with later or friends of friends. For example, in Rotterdam, the Hague, and Amsterdam - in Istanbul - in Paris and Nice - in Brussels - in Vienna - in Berlin - in Turin and Rome. I have wonderful stories from stays in these cities. I'm on couch-surfing because I want to be able to recreate these experiences in places where I don't have any contacts. These types of interactions are always rewarding in that it opens my mind to new ideas. I can't tell which moments created the person I am today, but I know each one played a part in doing so! And I hope I have the ability to share the same feeling with those I meet.

I love listening to live Bluegrass, especially over brunch with a Bloody Mary. I also love live Jazz, especially the sound of the trumpet. For a night of booty shaking dancing, I prefer a Hip-Hop DJ who doesn't change the song too fast. I also appreciate electronic music shows under the right circumstances. I love watching movies on Netflix or attending a matinee at the theatre, or even splurging for those comfy reclining chairs! My favorite movies are the Before Sunrise series (including Before Sunset and Before Midnight), Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and Eat Pray Love. I love Lonely Planet travel guides. I still regret leaving my SE Asia one (my travel bible) in the Philippines after 9 months in order to reduce the weight of my pack. I read Ayn Rand right after college and was deeply impacted at the time. I went through a Dan Brown phase. I enjoyed the Hunger Games, Fifty Shades of Grey, the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series. The Alchemist is the only book I've ever read more than once. I also enjoy reading finance and business related books about the markets or entrepreneurs.