I grew up in Los Angeles, California, a city with some great offerings and as many annoyances. As a child, I indulged in a dreamy state of mind perhaps more than is practical, even in youth. (In that regard, not much has changed.) Compared to my own imaginative musings, and the books, films, arts that inspired them, it was easy for me to grow exhausted by my hometown. At that time, I chalked it up to some kind of lackluster smog that must inevitably hover over daily life. Needless to say, the thought was stiflingly depressing.

Some years later, I mulled over an opportunity to fly, alone, the thirteen or so hours to Moscow, Russia, where I would meet some family. It would be my first trip abroad (aside from a day trip via ferry to Vancouver, Canada). I was (still am) afraid of flying. I was 14. It all seemed reckless, overwhelming, intimidating. Naturally, it only took a matter of days to decide I would do it.

That first trip to Russia reoriented every molecule of my daily experience and future projections. It seems, retrospectively, a foolish revelation that a mere shift in scenery can bring the dormant surging to life. A month after I left LA, I returned home with stories too personally moving to convey effectively, though perhaps in writing. And, thus, traveling became my muse, for creativity, and study, and not just living, but being alive.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

What draws me to couchsurfing is the reunion of hospitality and travel. Much of modern tourism is based around deliberate isolation and cushioning of the traveller, to the effect that they don't feel as though they have really gone anywhere, enough to feel the internal change that should accompany the external change in surroundings. Couchsurfing seems more human, more connected, more generous and open, offering something closer to real experience.

Interests

- Prohibition-era music and cocktails.
- Cocktails in general.
- Cooking and eating.
- Singing.
- Reading and writing.
- New and unusual cuisines.
- New and unusual anything.
- Jarring film.
- Hidden alleyways.
- Outdoor markets.
- Disorganized bookstores.
- Storytelling.
- Stumbling upon quaint bars and cafes.

• arts
• writing
• books
• singing
• cooking
• cocktails
• flying
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• tourism

What I Can Share with Hosts

A song. Perhaps another song. How to properly poach an egg. Hemingway's hamburger recipe. Alternately, a bitchin' kale/black bean/quinoa/assorted veg mix-up.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, Russian Federation, South Korea

Countries I’ve Lived In

Russian Federation, South Korea