Two months ago I quit my corporate job in the USA, decided I needed to see more of the world, and started to travel by myself throughout Southeast Asia. I recently turned 33 and I'm on a new path of self-discovery (again) and adventure. I am very comfortable being out of my comfort zone, and I love to try new things. I love meeting new people, to understanding their experiences in life, backgrounds, aspirations, and everything in between.

I am of the firm belief that barriers between cultures & people become less intimidating when we collectively "break bread" together, partake together with a drink(s), and have an open, empathetic mind.

...Or as Anthony Bourdain (of which I am an acolyte) emphatically proclaimed "To best understand a new place or people: #1. Eat with the locals #2. Get drunk with the locals. and #3. Have fun with the locals"

I rarely say "no" to any opportunities or events, because there is always something one can learn or share from that experience.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Two months ago I quit my corporate job in the USA, decided I needed to see more of the world, and started to travel by myself throughout Southeast Asia. I must admit that I am completely new to this whole couch-surfing approach and it's my first time being a part of this community I've heard so many great things about. I see this as a perfect opportunity to meet new and interesting people and learn more about the local cultures away from all the typical tourist traps. And figure what I can give back & contribute as appreciation for relying on the kindness of others as a fellow traveler.

Interests

• music festivals
• dancing
• cooking
• nightlife
• drinking
• clubbing
• drinking games
• flying
• politics
• movies
• socializing
• music
• guitar
• piano
• drums
• hiking
• sports
• boxing
• wrestling
• american football
• rugby
• swimming
• philosophy
• beaches
• cinema
• football
• moviemaking
• museums
• exploring new places
• exploration
• conversations
• beach volleyball
• cinematography
• bass guitar
• local history
• sharing stories
• sharing ideas
• local culture
• entertainment
• science and technology
• drinking tea
• hiking in nature
• drinking coffee
• local cuisine
• trails
• drinking beer
• sharing experiences
• philosophical conversations
• hiking in the mountains
• local customs

Music, Movies, and Books

Music (This is a music nerd's worst nightmare question!) But to get the party started this list includes, but it's not limited to):

Pink Floyd, Linkin Park, Massive Attack, Carlos Santana, Nine Inch Nails, Daft Punk, Tool, Gorillaz, Deadmau5, Deftones, Poter Robinson, Ministry, Portishead, Skrillex, Led Zeppelin, Kanye West, Rage Against the Machine, Rolling Stones, Prince, Michael Jackson, Fatboy Slim, Wu-Tang Clan, Rammstein, NWA, Geto Boys, Metallica, Alice In Chains, Slayer, Slipknot, Korn, Limp Bizkit, Radiohead, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Biggie Smalls, Tupac Shakur, Bill Withers, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Marvin Gaye, Bach, Mozart, Miles Davis, the list goes on and on

Movies (As a self-described cinephile, it feels more appropriate to list some of my favorite directors' filmography instead):

Akira Kurosawa, Tim Burton, Yorgos Lanthimos, Stanley Kubrick, Darren Aronofsky, Werner Herzog, Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, James Cameron, Zack Synder, David Fincher, Ridley Scott, Guy Richie, Matthew Vaughn, Hayao Miyazaki, David Lynch, Denis Villeneuve, Lars Von Trier, Alejandro J. Inarritu, Ingmar Bergman

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Completely uprooted my life several times and relocated myself from coast to coast (USA) and abroad (Europe) and then back to America with nothing more than a suitcase full of clothes/possessions and the will to make the most of this life.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach (Wisdom I can impart): Business Acumen, Advertising, Marketing, Sales, Personal Finance, Investment strategies, Mediterranean cooking/cuisine, cooking (in general)

Learn: local cuisines, local cultures, local customs

Share: Whatever I can offer at the time of arrival.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share my travel experiences and my cooking knowledge. I have been cooking for the majority of my life and I absolutely love doing it for friends and family as a token of appreciation. I can "earn my keep" by cooking meals and international dishes I've learned from my travels.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, China, France, Greece, Haiti, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Palestine, Philippines, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, United States