Hey there! I’m José, 26 years old, originally from Colombia. I love to write — one of my biggest dreams is to publish a book (or maybe more than one if life allows it). Actually, I’ve already written around 100 pages, and this journey I’m living now feels like it could be part of that story.

I’ve always been curious about the world. I love spontaneous adventures, road trips, YouTube travel channels, deep talks with strangers, and those random moments when people connect out of nowhere. It makes me happy to see the people around me happy too — I believe kindness between strangers can make life much lighter.

Recently, I wasn’t feeling so well emotionally, so I decided to do something for myself. I packed my car and started a little solo road trip through the U.S. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I started in Florida, passed through Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, and Savannah (which completely stole my heart), visited my brother and nephews in North Carolina, and now I’m exploring new places with an open heart.

This trip has been therapeutic for me — I guess you could call it my personal rite of passage into adulthood. I’m figuring out my place in the world, one city and one conversation at a time.

I’m currently on a student visa; I was studying at Miami Dade College, but before my visa expires in August, I wanted to take advantage of my time here, explore as much as I can, meet amazing people, and maybe find a place I’d love to return to when I apply for a new visa to start my major.

When I’m not traveling or writing, I love music, movies, reading, and tech. But more than anything, I enjoy listening to people’s stories and learning from them. I’m clean, respectful, and always happy to help around the house if you need a hand.

Fun fact: If you ever wonder how to keep a bathroom clean — sit down when you pee, no matter your gender. I hate stepping on a wet floor with socks on! Haha.

If you want to follow my journey or know more about me, my Instagram is @jose_daloma. (Haven’t published anything yet tho) lol

My goal? Maybe drive all the way to the West Coast, discover new places, and keep adding chapters to this unexpected adventure.

Thanks for reading, and hopefully, see you somewhere along the road!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I believe life is all about connecting with people and sharing stories. I’ve always admired how strangers can make you feel at home, even if you’ve just met — those small, unexpected human moments remind me that the world is much friendlier and more inspiring than we sometimes think.

This trip wasn’t planned. A few weeks ago, I wasn’t feeling so well. I left Florida, left my job and my comfort zone, and decided to take a chance on myself — to grow, to heal, to explore, to take risks, to chase my dreams, and to learn who I am and what this world has to offer.

For me, Couchsurfing is not just about finding a place to stay — it’s about learning from locals, sharing stories, listening, contributing, and being part of that beautiful exchange between people who cross paths, even for a short time.

This journey feels like a rite of passage into my adult life. It’s how I’m choosing to invest my summer — exploring new places, discovering the U.S., connecting with people, honoring my time, my life, and my search for authenticity. I hope this adventure helps me recharge, understand myself better, and hopefully leave something positive with the people I meet along the way.

Interests

• Writing and storytelling
• Road trips and spontaneous adventures
• Music (pretty much all kinds!)
• Reading (specially poetry, philosophy, personal stories)
• Deep conversations with strangers
• Tech & learning new things
• Movies, documentaries, YouTube travel videos
• Camping and nature
• Swimming, snorkeling, exploring beaches
• Finding beauty in small, random moments

• literature
• piano
• soccer
• cinema
• musica
• historias
• amigos
• fútbol
• viajes
• guitarra

Music, Movies, and Books

Music:
I love music that feels honest, nostalgic or makes you want to move. Right now, I’m into Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ritchie Mitch & The Coal Miners, Latin music from home (Colombia always lives in me), and those songs that feel like road trip soundtracks — a mix of indie, rock, and soft acoustic vibes. I also have a weak spot for old love songs and anything that makes you feel young and free.

Movies:
Frances Ha is probably my favorite — I love those coming-of-age stories about people figuring life out, making mistakes, and chasing something they can’t quite name.
I also love About Time — it makes me think about life, love, and how time passes in the strangest ways.
I enjoy movies that feel a bit philosophical, raw, or full of emotion. Documentaries, indie films, and stories that show human connections always get me.

Books:
I love reading — especially poetry, philosophy, and stories about real life. Some authors that have stayed with me are Alejandra Pizarnik, Emily Dickinson, Albert Camus, and Ernesto Sábato. I also enjoy travel writing and reflections about human nature — and yes, I dream of publishing my own book one day.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I’ve had the chance to do a few unforgettable things:

I worked as summer camp staff in Paradise Point Camp, Idaho — it was magical to share time with people from all over the world, surrounded by nature.

I’ve seen bioluminescent plankton glowing in the ocean at night in Barú, Colombia — swimming there felt like being inside a dream.

I went scuba diving for the first time, which completely changed my relationship with the ocean.

And… this trip. Leaving my job, packing my car, leaving my uncle’s house in Florida, and deciding to chase my dreams, even though I was scared — that’s probably the craziest and most healing thing I’ve done so far.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach:

I can help you practice Spanish — I love sharing my language and culture

How to stay positive on tough days (still learning, but I can share my tricks)

I can share tips for traveling Colombia or doing a U.S. road trip

Maybe even a bit of writing advice if you like to write too

Learn:

I want to learn about different lifestyles and ways of thinking

I love learning about other people’s cultures, cities, and personal stories

Any advice about traveling on a low budget or working on the road

Local hidden gems — places you wouldn’t find in a tourist guide

Share:

Deep talks and laughs

Music and movie recommendations

My personal travel stories — both the good and the chaotic ones

Respect, good vibes, and a helping hand wherever I stay

What I Can Share with Hosts

A lot of stories and laughs

Help with house chores — I always try to be clean and respectful

Good music and movie recommendations

Basic tech help (I’m not a pro but I enjoy it)

Conversations about traveling, writing, and life

Positive energy — or at least, my best effort to bring it :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Aruba, Colombia, Ecuador, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Colombia, Ecuador, United States