Greetings! I am a U.S. writer often found with a tea cup in hand, traveling between the U.S., China, and India. I've lived in India for the past 4 years, have lived in China for two years, and have bounced across the US. You could say my suitcase is my home.

I believe in the power and authenticity of storytelling. The most captivating stories I've heard have often been served over tea. I aspire to listen and to maintain mutual understanding. My experience studying in China for 13 months as an undergraduate solidified my love of Chinese culture and heightened my desire to travel responsibly.

I am back in Chicago for a few months. I would be happy to serve you a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, speak about writing and publishing, exchange language tips, or go explore the local area.

I look forward to the adventures to come!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I value intercultural exchange, learning and teaching languages, and simply listening to stories. Care to share yours?

Interests

• literature
• poetry
• photography
• vegetarian
• yoga
• traveling
• language exchange
• tea
• learning languages
• holistic health
• feminism
• vegan cooking
• chinese culture
• creative writing
• slam poetry
• chinese medicine
• intersectional feminism
• essential oils
• writing poetry
• 

Music, Movies, and Books

Music:
Evanescence ~ In This Moment ~ Halestorm ~ Starfall ~ Nightwish ~ Within Temptation ~ Epica ~ Metallica ~
Linkin Park ~ 谭维维 ～ 福禄寿 ～ 五月天 ~ Starset ~
Sifar ~ The Local Train ~ Penn Masala
汪峰 ~ Cui Jian ~ Eason Chan ~
Arijit Singh ~ Icon For Hire ~ A-mei Chang

Books:
An avid bibliophile, most recently I have enjoyed reading works from Lin Yutang, Lisa See, Adeline Yen Mah, Vikram Seth, and Rohinton Mistry.

Movies:
How about a book instead?

If I must.....
《茶，一片树叶的故事》
Dead Poet's Society
Black Mirror (TV series)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've plucked green tea (one bud, one leaf) on Mengding mountain in China and was able to drink it later that night!

Teach, Learn, Share

Brewing Chinese tea (茶艺), creative writing workshop, English as a second language, writing skills

What I Can Share with Hosts

Insightful conversations, loose leaf tea, language learning, & vegan cooking fun!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, India, United States