CURRENT MISSION

To play a small part in removing the wondrous gift of travel from the chains of for-profit tourism

ABOUT ME

I consider myself outgoing but introspective at the same time. In other words, I try and live every day to its fullest and learn about the world, while still leaving time to learn more about myself.

PHILOSOPHY

The human experience is one of question. One can choose to either spend their life looking for answers to those questions, or bask in the excitement and exploration of the questions themselves. I strive to do the latter.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Looking to surf at this particular moment. After getting a bit more of a fixed situation post-graduation, my couch will certainly be open!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Absolutely none until creating this profile 30 minutes ago. I hope to change that very soon, however!

Interests

East Asian culture and society in general and Japan in particular. What began as a superficial and juvenile interest in Japanese pop culture has grown into a near obsession with this enigmatic country, where it's been, and where it's going. My interest has become very personal as well: after finishing a year-long study abroad program in Tokyo, I left behind a girlfriend, as well as hundreds of dear friends. I cannot wait to go back.

Otherwise, I love traveling all over the world, as well as getting to know those who have come to spend time in my neck of the woods. It never ceases to amaze me how many different ways people from around the world approach the same human experience, and I feel a better person each time I go to a new place or meet a new person.

• culture
• traveling
• study abroad
• tourism

Music, Movies, and Books

As eclectic as could be. I will mention only this: one of the best teachers I ever had once said, on the subject of censorship, "There are two types of art: that which affirms our place in the universe, and that which challenges our place in the universe. The second may be the hardest to accept, but it is after all the type we cannot afford to ignore."

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

It's hard to beat meditating with monks in Tibet.

Teach, Learn, Share

Learning Japanese has certainly been my most rewarding intellectual endeavor in recent memory, and I am happy to help start people down that path if they so desire!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, China, Germany, South Korea, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Japan, United States