CURRENT MISSION

To eat everything under the sun at least once

ABOUT ME

I graduated from college Spring 2010, double-majored in International Relations and East Asian Studies. Currently, I am on a two-year fellowship in Changsha, China because I believe that to really understand a foreign culture, I can't just be a transient traveler. Instead, I have to live and work there. Also, the fellowship allows me to be financially independent and places me in a great spot for travel around all of Asia!

My ideal night is probably one spent with a few good friends, maybe with a couple of drinks, talking about whatever comes to mind. Sometimes being a bit silly, other times some of our deeper thoughts. Always having fun.

The thing I enjoy most about traveling is probably experiencing the local flavor. While I can enjoy going to the temples and various historic/touristy sites, I prefer just walking down a worn street, eating at the mom-and-pop shops, and talking to the locals.

PHILOSOPHY

To always be curious, and to learn as much as I can about people, societies, culture--the world!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've had wonderful experiences both hosting and surfing!

Interests

Food experiences of all kinds! When I went to Singapore, I went on this epic 7-hour food tour where we tried over 40 different dishes. I ate so much that I almost threw it back up. However, it was the most enjoyable part of my stay there. I'm willing to try any type of food at least once, and it is a major reason for why I travel.

Photography! I'm usually have a camera at my hip.

Music! From jazz to country, from dance-floor electronica to opera, I really do enjoy them all. Like food, wherever I travel, I am on the prowl for new music.

• culture
• photography
• dancing
• dining
• walking
• drinking
• traveling
• music
• jazz
• opera
• surfing
• international relations

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Hmmm... I must say my favorite band is Muse. Following that group has to be Ray Lamontagne and Jamie Cullum. As you can see, my music tastes really eclectic.

Movies: Life is Beautiful, Dr. Strangelove, The Lives of Others, Ray, The Pianist.

Books: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, A Heartbreaking Novel of Staggering Genius, Gates of Fire, Jane Eyre, The Grapes of Wrath, The Great Gatsby.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One of the most amazing experiences I've had was seeing a space shuttle launch in the middle of the night. It was 2:00am, and all around me was pitch black, such that I couldn't even see the outlines of my friend who were right next to me. However, when the shuttle launched, the fire it generated was so intense and bright that it lit up the sky. Suddenly, night became day.

Countries I’ve Visited

Brazil, Canada, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Japan, United States

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