CURRENT MISSION explorar! discover! wander! viajar! ABOUT ME I was born in the small town of Punta Brava Cuba. My life was relatively simple until my parents decided to leave the country with my sister and I in a raft to the USA. After that my life changed... a whole lot. PHILOSOPHY Live and let live, be positive, compassionate, and generous.  Prefer not to judge much because living in somebody else's skin might be scary!

CURRENT MISSION To grow by leaps and bounds while maintaining equilibrium and meeting responsibilities to self and others ABOUT ME I am interested in, and can relate to, most all kinds of people; and I have a keen interest in culture and the outdoors. Also, I am very interested in international affairs and issues of justice and self-determination. I am easily amused and love a good laugh and the humor I see in many things. At the same time, I am struggling to grow philosophically in the light of our individual and cultural fate.... Couch Surfing was like a dream come true for me: It is ripe with priceless prospects that drew us here: simple, non-commercial sharing of space and time and experience. It works well for me as a guest, as I can be comfortable sleeping on the floor, I am fairly fit and youthful in my thinking, activities and tastes, and I enjoy conversation. I also hope to be perceptive of and attentive to the needs of others; so that I will understand when and how, as a guest, to stay out of the way. I hope to add to fun and mutual growth and understanding, when that is called for. I hope you might host me, and that I might host you. Some people assume that, because I am a retired American lawyer, that I am a rich person or live in a big house or something. Actually, however, I gave much of my working time away for free to help with legal services for poor people and such things. As a result of that, I made less money and I live a frugal life in a small house. So, I want my guests and hosts to know that I will not be spending a lot of money going out to expensive restaurants and such; but I am very happy to contribute in any other way I can to cultural exchange and to visit "working class" or ordinary destinations that are welcoming to all. I live in humble little neighborhood. I am an enthusiast of much. Google "enfp" for more. PHILOSOPHY Help each other, free expression, forever a part of the mishmash of the universe.

CURRENT MISSION To keep on... keep truckin' ABOUT ME Moved to Kiev from Florida and am absolutely loving it so far. Loving exploring this new city and country with fellow travelers. A solid INTP, for better or for worse. Can seem quiet at first, but an absolute riot around people I click with - which seems to be just about everyone I've met through CouchSurfing. http://www.16personalities.com/intp-personality http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/INTP#INTP_characteristics PHILOSOPHY The world owes us nothing, but we owe each other the world.

I have to update my full profile - but hi, I’m Shelby! I used to very active during the 2010s, but not as much now. I enjoy weekend trips and exploring what my neighboring cities have to offer. I'm a researcher in the energy/utilities field and have a huge interest in urbanism, sustainability, biking, and mapping. I'm a mom to a happy 1-year old and married to my husband, Benji (in my profile picture!)