Portland

Hello, I'm Benji/Bao/保 although that's mostly only used by my family. I'm from the big ol' scary town of hippy Portland, Oregon. Yes, it's really as terrifying as what the news say about us. Couchsurfing has had a major influence on my life. The free-spirited community introduced me to an alternative way of travelling, and living, and this is what I so appreciate about it and why I still participate to this day. I have not been able to travel internationally as much, but I enjoy sharing glimmer of Portland magic with those passing through my hometown as a way to give back to what was given to me when I lived abroad. I have always enjoyed cultural exchange and spending time with different communities so I can learn more about the world through their lenses, so I remain active on here as much as possible. I am typically willing to show my couchsurfers around town and take people to unique or harder-to-reach places so that they can get a better appreciation for the wild spirit of Portland. Over the decades, I've met amazing people who have brought me around the globe and back. Some of journeys forged long-lasting friendships with people I deeply care about. I genuinely believe this type of active learning while travelling is an integral part to making the world a more understanding and harmonious society. This is how I choose to use Couchsurfing.

I love to travel (duh). I live with my partner, and kids, and dog, and cat, but there is plenty of room. I have lived in Portland mostly my whole life and know a lot about it, though it's changing rapidly.

I’m Rissa, she/her! Portland born, lover of slower paced outdoorsy activities. I’ve traveled all over, but have lots to explore in my own backyard and around the US. I strive to create a comfortable environment for people of all identities, backgrounds, and marginalized groups. ✊🏻🖤🤎🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

We're hosting despite COVID, but are asking that all surfers are vaccinated If you prefer BeWelcome to Couchsurfing, you can find my BeWelcome profile here: http://www.bewelcome.org/members/Leeor I am always evolving and changing, adapting and reevaluating. There is a parable about life as movement between trapeze bars that I heard for the first time before leading a 16-day backpacking trip (you can read the full thing here http://www.earthstewards.org/ESN-Trapeze.asp). The author argues that much of our life we spend swinging on trapeze bars, steadily and safely. We do the same routine. But every once in a while, we jump from one bar to the other, we make a transition in our lives. The move is terrifying, and we risk not catching the other bar and falling. We risk catching a new bar that's not as nice as the old one. But this transition, according to the author, is the most real part of life, where real meaningful growth and change occur. I spent three years wandering around constantly on the move, but now I am settled down. I think growth can come from stability as well. If we learn how to transition within stability, how to deepen or change or widen our relationships and activities, we still transition. PHILOSOPHY I love learning, I love the environment, I love making people happy, I love getting to know new people, I love intercultural interactions, I love challenging situations, I love challenging oppressive systems. I love many other things as well, but currently my goal is to merge as many of those things as possible into my life at any given time.

Adventure seeker and foodie at heart. I believe the best way to experience a place is through its people and culture. Always happy to share my favorite spots!

Adventure collector who values experiences over material things. I'm passionate about showing authentic local perspectives and forming lasting friendships!

Wellness-focused traveler who loves yoga, healthy eating, and mindful living. Always happy to share my favorite peaceful spots!

Curious wanderer passionate about arts, music, and meaningful dialogue. Ready to connect and help you uncover incredible experiences!