CURRENT MISSION

Explore, Gather, and Analyze

ABOUT ME

I am friendly, have a dry sense of humor (sarcastic?), and a little arrogant. Maybe a little too sensitive sometimes but I am mostly warm-hearted, kind, and generous. Determined yet flexible, and possibly a little stubborn at times. I am definitely more of the idea smart type and definitely NOT street smart.

I am multi-lingual (Mandarin Chinese, English, and French), and also multi-cultural - capable of relating and empathizing with most human situations. I am INcapable of deciphering and performing tacts and I speak my mind and wear my emotions on my sleeve.

Currently an anthropologist-in-training, I am interested in mapping out the similarities of human nature and the differences of our cultures. And yes, I do have a Chinese name and it's 廖 (Liao) 哲宏(Zhe-Hong) - don't be afraid to butcher the pronunciation, because I know you will. =) If you think you can't handle that, I also have a Western name which I ALSO go by since I was 5, it is Louis (not pronounced "Louie" like in French or Luis/z like in Spanish) - if that makes your life easier. =)) Don't worry, I don't bite.

PHILOSOPHY

Respect, Understand, & Coexist

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Just Started!!!

Interests

I spend most of my time in trying to understand how our world works - culturally, historically, politically, and economically. I am interested in the different societal/cultural paradigms and the elements behind how they are construed. So obviously, I can't talk to you about pop music and pop culture and the latest, hottest tunes or movies out there. However, if you are interested in my culture (Taiwanese) and my perspective of the world (I've lived in 5 different countries since I was 12), I would be more than happy to share with you about the world we live in over dinner or coffee.

In my spare time, which I define it as time I am suppose to work, I read all sorts of different newspapers and magazines from different countries. In my real spare time, which I don't have any, because I never get my things done, I like to watch movies (comedy and historical preferably), exercise, and go travel. I am always easily amused. I tend to appreciate the deep and meaningful activities and refined objects and FOOD. Did I mention food? LOL

• culture
• dining
• coffee
• exercise
• boating
• movies
• traveling
• music
• hiking
• anthropology

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I am always easily amused, so I don't get awed by many things. I've done some things in life that I would consider insignificant while others might consider it different or special.

I don't do anything cool - as you have probably noticed by now, but I've done a few things that other people would consider brave, stupid, or crazy. I've carried an assault rifle and jumped out of a plane (I was a paratrooper during my military service in Taiwan). Being in the air for the first time and the fifth time were all pretty fun and amazing - you get a different view from up above. I've carried an 80+ pound (20+ kilo) 4 year old kid hiking down the Grand Canyon and back up (15+ miles one way) to please my then girl-friend's parents. Not a good idea. I also took an emergency inflatable raft with two paddles (one semi-functional) of the coast of Brest thinking I could reach the other side of the inlet with my little boat. It never happened, I ended up getting stuck in between the inlet somewhere and got picked up by a boat passing-by.

Teach, Learn, Share

People from all walks of life who are willing to put their prejudices aside to see the world for themselves - not through what other people say.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, China, France, Taiwan, United States