Musician, Flutist, Singer, Painter, Writer, Teacher, Student, and more!

Also on bewelcome, trustroots, and couchers — username: dragonflower

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

If/when I travel, I only want to travel as an exchange, maybe of culture, art, music, through homestays, exchange programs, things like this, etc. These kinds of experiences seem much more meaningful and sustainable to me.

And in general, I’m always interested in the rhythm of everyday life. From around the world, throughout time — what is it like to be a person, going through their daily up’s and down’s, and continuing to live, and what in our everyday might make life worth living (not looking for an answer just further understanding)? What changes? What stays the same?

Interests

Anything that involves creative expression + creating opportunities for others to express themselves — especially teaching!

• poetry
• cooking
• painting
• music
• philosophy
• biking
• dreaming
• ancient cultures
• jump rope

Music, Movies, and Books

Classical, k-pop, medieval, folk, R&B, rap, city and nature sounds (deep listening from Pauline Oliveros)

As a musician I have studied classical flute since I was 6, then in college switched to jazz and folk music (particularly Vietnamese, but I also love tango music). I also sing (in many languages)!

Books: lots of feminists and poetry: Maya Angelou, bell hooks, Jia Tolentino, Zadie Smith, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Hadewijch, Thi Bui, Vietnamese poets…it’s funny because since I study literature people expect me to love Foucault but actually my focus is a bit different — I more so like any literature with connections to music (like poetry) and because I want to be a teacher, I really appreciate children’s literature and the beauty of picture books.

Movies….I like them but I can’t say I have any top favorites 🐸 I need to see more!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Learned to roll my “r” s in order to sing opera —this was a very big deal to me at the time and it still means a lot. I practiced in the middle of the night for weeks. And now I can sing opera, I can properly pronounce languages like Spanish, Italian, and more ~ it’s the small things. :D

Teach, Learn, Share

I wonder if we could have a little more slow? Day dreaming is not a waste of time; it’s okay to slow down life through your imagination. And sometimes eating and listening at the same time is too overwhelming for the senses; it’s okay to slow down and focus on one at a time, or all at the same time if you prefer. Take it slow ~ :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

Main things:
- Vietnamese food!
- A free flute performance (original composed/improvised music if you prefer)
- My sketches
- Language exchange
- Smiles and good company :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States