I was born and raised just outside of Washington DC (in Virginia) although my parents immigrated from Bolivia. I spent most of my life in the area outside of extended travel overseas and living a few years in Virginia Beach. My background is mostly Bolivian and Japanese along with a few other countries. I guess it's only fitting that I have a love for travel and learning about new cultures. I'm easy going, curious, I enjoy meeting new people, and I am always up for an adventure.

When I can, I travel either domestically or internationally. I love to hike and do most outdoors activities. I'm always up for having fun times over a few drinks whether that is dancing or chatting.

My job has had me involved in COVID responses (on the logistics side) so I am fully vaccinated.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

This is a great community where I've met awesome people who I would have never met otherwise.

Interests

I used to be a volunteer first responder with the Shenandoah Mountain Rescue Group (wilderness search and rescue) and was a BLM wildland fire fighter. I also used to volunteer for Team Rubicon but now work full time for that organization. I still do volunteer work with different organizations on the weekends. Because of my work, I do have a strong interest in emergency management and disaster response.

• dancing
• wine
• beer
• boating
• trivia
• traveling
• volunteer work
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• camping
• skydiving
• volunteering
• disaster relief

Music, Movies, and Books

Books - Song of Ice and Fire series, Nightwatch series, A Long Way Gone, and Chechnya Diary. I also like books written by Conn Iggulden, William Dietrich, Bill Bryson, and Sebastian Junger.
Movies - Comedies, action, drama, epic and foreign films. Forrest Gump, Gladiator, Hot Fuzz, Hotel Rwanda, Zombieland, Idiocracy, The Other Guys, To Live.
Music - My taste in music is very broad. I enjoy hip hop, country, electronic, classical, and original soundtracks. My choice in music would depend on mood or what I am doing.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'll list a few:
I have done the 4 day hike on the Inca Trail.
Climbed Mt. Huashan
Hiked along the unrenovated part of the Great Wall.
Drove across the United States.
While shark diving (caged), I was able to listen to the songs of nearby Humpback whales. When I was on the boat, I watched them breach.
I've hiked, camped overnight, and sled down active volcanoes.
Having a few drinks on a rooftop with an amazing view of the Acropolis.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am a chainsaw instructor for Team Rubicon so I could teach the basics of operating one.

What I Can Share with Hosts

As a guest, I am curious to get to know my host (of course when it is convenient for the host). I am a flexible with my interests so I can enjoy a quiet evening in the house or a late night out at a party/pub with my host. Whatever the plan is, I will always respect my host's house rules. I don't smoke but I don't mind if my host does.

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Latvia, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Northern Ireland, Peru, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Bolivia, China, Costa Rica, Guatemala, United States