HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING Though I have been staying in home-stays and with local people while going around the Himalayas/India, am kinda a novice on CouchSurfing. I have hosted a few people as of now and also stayed with some amazing people during my travels in the US. The primary reason I look forward to couch-surfing is the fact that it lets you stay with a local, experience the place, exchange ideas, culture and food which no tours/hotels can ever provide. Be it tasting the Balut/Bulalo in a village in Philippines or make paper boats during Loi Krathong in Bangkok or hiking to Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park in Utah, a local experience is the most fascinating way to know a place and its culture. COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE Though I hosted few people when I lived in a shared house in Boston, however, now that I have my own place in Austin, I am hoping to host travelers more often. Regardless, I try to be available to meet up and show people around the city and its food scene if am free.

Music: Coldplay, Jason Mraz, The Fray, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Christina Perri, Ed Sheeran, Birdy, A.R. Rahman, Kishore Kumar, Sonu Nigam, Asha Bhosle and many more. I don't have any specific favorite genres, I listen to anything that soothes my ears, more into soulful and relaxing music. TV: I have enjoyed and loved shows like Grey's Anatomy, Game of Thrones, Modern Family, Orange is the New Black, The Black Mirror, Friends, Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, Empire, The Voice, the MasterChef series etc. Movies: I don't have a favorite genre as such. I mostly enjoy science fiction, thrillers, scary movies, light hearted romance and comedy. Many of my favorites are in different languages, would talk about them than type here, ask me! Books: never been much into it as I never could gather the patience to sit through and read. Wouldn't mind starting though, if you have some good recommendations. Starting to read John Green lately.