Profile Name: Ais

Location: Scranton, Pennsylvania

About Me: Hello! I’m Ais (pronounced Ice). I was born in China, but shortly after, I moved to the vibrant city of Istanbul, where I spent 7 years of my childhood. I've spent most of my life in the United States, where I've lived in New York, California, and Washington D.C. My home base at the moment is in Pennsylvania. I’m on a mission to travel the world, immersing myself in different cultures and making connections along the way. More specifically, I am currently on a special trip to Turkey, a country that I left more than two decades ago, hoping to re-discover the culture that I grew up in. I’m passionate about language exchange and love sharing stories over a cup of tea or coffee. I can help you with English practice if you'd like, while you can help me with some Turkish (I can speak at a beginner's level).

Travel Style: I thrive on experiencing the local way of life. Whether it’s exploring hidden gems, tasting authentic cuisine, or engaging in meaningful conversations, I believe that travel is about connecting with people and understanding their stories. I’m easygoing, open-minded, and always ready for an adventure!

Hosting: I’m currently not able to host, but I’d love to connect with locals and fellow travelers during my journeys. If you're in Scranton (where the show The Office takes place), I’m happy to meet up for coffee and share some insights about the area!

What I Can Offer:

Language exchange: I can help you practice your English, Spanish, Chinese and Portuguese.
Insights into the places I've lived and the 36 countries I've traveled.
Great conversations about travel, culture, football, and food!

Things I’m Passionate About:

Exploring different cuisines (I’m a big fan of local dishes!)
Learning new languages and sharing cultural experiences
Football! (or soccer in the U.S.)
Hiking and outdoor adventures
Music and dance: I used to DJ weddings and clubs in New York. I dance house and boogaloo.

Looking Forward To: Meeting new friends around the globe, exchanging languages, and discovering the unique stories each place has to offer. Can’t wait to connect with you!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m on Couchsurfing because I believe that the best way to experience a place is through the people who live there. I love meeting locals, sharing stories, and immersing myself in different cultures. Traveling isn’t just about seeing sights for me; it’s about creating connections and friendships that last beyond the trip.

I’m also eager to exchange languages and learn from my hosts, as I think sharing knowledge enriches the travel experience. Plus, I appreciate the warmth and hospitality that comes from staying with someone who knows the area. Couchsurfing allows me to travel more authentically and helps me create meaningful memories along the way.

Interests

• capoeira
• traveling
• music
• geography
• languages
• food
• football
• dance
• languages and cultures
• football (soccer)
• football soccer

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite Music: I have a deep appreciation for a variety of genres, but I’m particularly drawn to house, soul, disco, R&B, and hip-hop. I love discovering new artists and sharing playlists with friends! I'm also a dancer of house and boogaloo!

Favorite Movie: One of my all-time favorite movies is Cool Runnings. It’s such an inspiring story about perseverance and friendship, with a great mix of humor and heart. Plus, who doesn’t love an underdog story?

Favorite Books: I’m a big fan of Agatha Christie’s works. Her mysteries are brilliantly crafted, and I love trying to solve the puzzles before the big reveal.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I drove cross country from New York to Los Angeles and back! Both trips took me a week and I saw incredible things, from the mesas in New Mexico to almost getting blown off the road by a flash storm in Texas.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: I love sharing my passion for languages and can help you practice your English! Whether you want to improve your conversational skills or learn specific phrases, I’m here to assist. I’m also happy to share insights about Chinese and American culture, including food and traditions. I can also teach you house dance and boogaloo so we can get down to some beats!

Learn: I’m eager to learn about different cultures, customs, and languages. If you’re fluent in another language, I’d love to exchange some phrases and explore your perspective on local life. I’m also interested in picking up new recipes or learning about unique local traditions!

Share: I believe that every encounter is a chance to exchange stories and experiences. I’d love to share travel tips, personal anecdotes, and, of course, a good playlist! Let’s create memorable moments together and inspire each other through our journeys.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love to bring a little something to every Couchsurfing experience! Here’s what I can share with my hosts:

Cultural Exchange: I’m eager to share insights about my diverse background, from my Chinese heritage to my experiences growing up in Istanbul and the United States. We can exchange stories about our cultures, traditions, and travel adventures.

Language Practice: If you’re interested in improving your English, I’d be happy to help! I enjoy language exchange and can teach you some phrases in Spanish or Mandarin.

Cooking: I’m not a great cook but I’d love to help you cook a local dish together!

Fun Conversations: I’m always up for a good chat! Whether it’s about travel, music, or life in general, I believe meaningful conversations can lead to great connections.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Australia, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Uruguay, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Turkey, United States