I'm Emily! These 'about me' sections usually become a long list of stuff I like to do. I grew up in the US and moved around a lot between a few states (California, Colorado, and Oregon). I got the traveling bug when I went on a cross-country road trip with my grandparents when I was eleven. I haven't done nearly as much as I'd like, even now years later, but I love seeing and exploring new places, their history and culture. I like meeting new people, even though I tend to be quiet at first. I love hearing their stories and sharing mine, too. I love writing--fiction, creative nonfiction, blogs, whatever! Language has power. I enjoy reading, too, and can always get lost in a bookstore. I love listening to music--finding new artists, seeing bands live, getting obsessed with a new album, making playlists that fit my mood. I don't play any instruments, but my Spotify is always open on my computer or phone. During all of it, I try to live for something bigger than myself--love, God, the Tao, the Force, whatever you want to call it. We're all a part of something and deeply connected, and traveling is a great way to truly see that! This world is too awesome not to explore it, and life is too incredible not to enjoy it. My boyfriend Ryan often travels with me. He's from the US, and we live in Oregon together. http://www.couchsurfing.com/people/ryan-loveall