ABOUT ME

Hello Surfers of the World!

My name's Daniel and I'm a UC Berkeley Undergraduate currently studying abroad in Paris France. My studies are in Economics and Urban Design, and I am massively interested in discovering new cities, places and people! I've worked in all sorts of jobs including but not limited to: Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, Bike Mechanic, Paper Boy, Journalist, Radio DJ, News Broadcaster, Arts Blog Writer, Urban Design Associate and last but not least, Ice Cream Server. (Got to start somewhere.)

Obviously as a surfer I love to travel, but I find that new environments are best explored either by bike or by foot. I'm an avid cyclist and have explored most of California by bike. Right now, I'm working on fixing up an ancient set of wheels so that I can be mobile in Paris!

As a Californian, I was born knowing how to have a good-time and how to keep an easy-going attitude throughout life. I consider myself a Renaissance Student and would love to shoot the breeze about anything from classic books, the latest in the music scene, good movies, distant travels, and just LIFE!

PHILOSOPHY

Experience something new everyday. If you go to sleep at night looking at the world in the same way you did as you when you woke up, you aren't living, my friend!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I will participate as both a surfer that will contribute knowledge, handy-work, a gift, and conversation to those who open their doors to me and although my room isn't adequate to host, I'd be happy to give tours and go out with anyone dropping by the beautiful city of Paris!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I'm hear to make the best experiences happen!

Interests

My Interests include:Journalism, Photography, Cycling, and Swimming. This all sounds pretty typical so let me explain!

Journalism-I'm a print and radio journalist for UC Berkeley and enjoy researching stories that are relevant to the politically active youth. I then write a story to be printed daily in the paper, or report stories live on the air through broadcast radio! I love talking to the people I interview because everyone has a story to tell!

Cycling: I love cycling. Whenever I have some spare time, or am not sure what I should do next, I just hop on my bike and ride! I have a old roadie and a single speed bike that have served me well through the years. I feel that biking is the best way to explore new spaces and love the meditative feeling of a simple bike ride. I have participated in many races throughout Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Swimming: I swam competitively and played water polo for 4 years of my life. During that time, I've developed a connection to the water, and sometimes nothing beats a good swim. I have experience as a lifeguard and as a swim instructor as well, for all ages!

Photography- I spent a lot of time shooting film photography out of an old Canon AE-1, but now am using a DSLR (Digital Camera) and I love exploring new spaces, people, and taking photographs that actually mean something to me! Big fan of Henri Cartier Bresson's work.

• arts
• writing
• books
• design
• photography
• instructor
• news
• movies
• traveling
• blogging
• music
• cycling
• hunting
• water polo
• swimming
• economics
• journalism
• tours

Music, Movies, and Books

Music-I am an audiophile; I am always searching through the latest music or archives of the classics to find music that vibrates through my soul at this current point in time. Some of my favorites include: Andrew Bird, Credence Clearwater Revival, Jeff Buckley, Daft Punk, Miles Davis, Chet Baker, James Blake, Bob Dylan, and many more; I really listen to a range of music.

Films-I'm also a film maniac; I'm an officer in the film club in Berkeley. I both love watching films and making low-budget corny films for fun. Some of my favorites: Lost in Translation, Pulp Fiction, The Big Lebowski, Down by Law.

Books- I read political, economic, philosophical books to keep the brain going as well as literature that I feel relates to me. Fan of Hemingway, Kerouac, Vonnegut. Love Beat Poetry. Currently working on Moby Dick- wish me luck!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I swam across Big Bear Lake!

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm here to offer my knowledge, stories, and any skills I have!

I'm a photographer/video producer for multiple organizations on the UC Berkeley Campus and can help with anything you may need photographed. (Experience with Photoshop)

I'm an expert swimmer with years of experience teaching, I'd be willing to give a lesson to anyone who wanted it! I also have much experience cycling and as a bike mechanic, so I can help tune-up that old bike that's been lying around!

I am a native English speaker and have a beginning level of French and Cantonese. I'd be happy to give anyone a lesson in English/Cantonese through conversation!

Most of all, I'm an educated Student with an open-mind who has worked many different professions. I can offer stimulating conversation and an upbeat attitude—I'd love to share my experiences with you!