Hi there! My name is Carla Loza and I live in the great state of Texas, near Houston and The Woodlands. Every stranger I meet is a new friend in the making, whose story I want to learn and understand.
I've spent my life studying Psychology to know myself and others better. In addition to graduating from The University of Houston, I raised two wonderful children and their countless pets. They've both moved away to go to college in Austin, TX in the last few years. Though I miss them constantly, I am growing to appreciate the life of an empty nester and want to enjoy this newfound freedom!
My partner, Paul, travels frequently for work so I am often alone at home. I work in sales, which affords me a flexible schedule. As such, I've decided to spend my time traveling! It has been a lifelong passion and desire to see the world. When I'm not away, I would love to make new friends and show others the beauty of my city. Often, work takes me to all parts of the city - from The Woodlands in the north, to Downtown Houston, to NASA Road in the south. I'm happy to help out with transportation and, after living in the city for almost 20 years, give good tips for places to check out!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I know that there's no better way to visit the city than with a local of that city. A local has better insight to the sites worth seeing, best places to eat, and where to buy the best souvenirs for my family back at home. Locals have a love for their city that you can't find in travel books or the lobby of a hotel room.
Additionally, I see Couchsurfing as an opportunity to make new friends around the world! I am always looking to grow my family of friends, especially with people who can share stories of travels and adventures.

Interests

My minor in college was Studio Art, in which I focused on pottery and sculpture. I love going to art museums, exhibitions, and outdoor sculpture gardens. I also took a couple of photography classes in school, which served to give me an appreciation of beautiful photography as well.
As they grew up, my kids exposed me to several new loves through their interests. I enjoy watching professional soccer as much as going to see a theater production. I enjoy a comedy movie (my son's favorite) as much a critically-acclaimed drama (my daughter's favorite). Together, we've visited every museum in Houston and many of its dog parks as well.
Traveling and learning more of the world has been a passion throughout my life. I am curious to gain knowledge about cultures around the world. The psychologist in me loves to learn about people's different points of view. I've traveled a bit the last few years but, every time I arrive back on my doorstep, I am already craving the next trip. I know that Couchsurfing is a community where I can create lifelong friendships with a community of likeminded adventurers, who also see the opportunity to travel as such an amazing gift.
In short - I'm interested in new adventures, reliving happy memories in familiar spaces, and even just sitting at a coffee shop talking to a friend.

• pets
• dogs
• arts
• culture
• books
• theater
• photography
• beauty
• education
• coffee
• shopping
• traveling
• pottery
• juggling
• outdoor activities
• soccer
• teaching
• psychology
• parks

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite music tends to be 60's and 70's romantic melodies, in English and Spanish. That is the music that nurtures my soul. However, being a native of Mexico, I appreciate more fast paced songs for dancing - salsa and merengue especially! In the house, between what I grew up with and what my kids listened to, I've learned to love all music and the stories it can express. My kids have introduced me to popular figures like Jason Mraz, jazz legends like Maynard Ferguson, and even smaller Indie talents like Wild Child.
My favorite movies are often dramas such as Life is Beautiful, Dances with Wolves, The Notebook, and Rocky. I love a good story that moves me in some way - or makes me think! My daughter is a huge cinephile, who watches every movie nominated for an Academy Award every year (really). With her, I've gained an appreciation for cult classics such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and newer masterpieces such as The Silence of the Lambs. My son LOVES comedy and I've enjoyed experiencing laughter with him in movies like Tropic Thunder and The Longest Yard. We go to the movie theater often when we are together. To give you a better idea of my contemporary tastes, my favorite movies this year were Sisters, Creed, Ex Machina, Spotlight, and The Danish Girl.
Growing up, reading wasn't something I really enjoyed or did much of. However, my daughter has been an avid reader throughout her life and we've read several books together. I love Mitch Albom's books and the stories he chooses to tell. Cheryl Strayed is another author that speaks to my heart, especially in her book Wild. My all time favorite book is The Little Prince, which always has something new to teach me when I read it.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

My dad, who passed away when I was 11, always wanted me to learn English and get a college education. He and my mom had grown up in a small Pueblo in Michoacan, achieving only an elementary school education and living in poverty until moving to Mexico City where my dad found a stable job in an office. He was the hardest working man I have ever met. Growing up in Mexico, even when I was without him, I knew that I had to find a way to see his vision of my future come true. Beyond that, I wanted to create a better future for my children - just like my father had for me.
When we moved to the United States, I enrolled in the local community college. Attending college as an older adult, with two growing children, was no easy feat - especially when English is your second language. After I transferred to The University of Houston, it got even harder to juggle homework with soccer practices and my children's school projects. It took years of hard work but I graduated with my degree in Psychology, with honors.
The day I graduated, I knew my dad would have been beaming with pride to see what I had accomplished. It was one of the most amazing days of my life.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach - Art and art appreciation at local museums
Learn - Anything anyone has to offer! We all have different stories and life experiences to share. I am a quick learner and am always excited to know MORE.
Share - My culture, as a proud Mexican and American, and friendship

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am excited to share my friendship and my passions with hosts, while learning as much as I can about them as possible. I will always bring a small gift from my country, as a token to remember me by, to show my gratitude.
In turn, as a host, I would love to also share my family and everything I love about my city with those I am lucky enough to have in my home.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, France, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Guatemala, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Monaco, Panama, Peru, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Mexico, United States