I used to work a job I hated doing things that didn't fulfill me while dreaming of leaving it all behind.

So I did...

I quit my job, sold everything I owned, and went off on a wild quest of self discovery that is still going six years later.

I'm laid back, grounded, and easy going. I hold no biases based on race, religion, gender identification, socioeconomic status, age, political affiliation, or sexual orientation. I get along with most and try to learn from everyone.

I live out of a backpack and travel as a lifestyle. As someone who is a guest in other's homes I'm very respectful of space and boundaries, maintaining a minimal footprint, and keeping my stuff tidy. I generally strive to leave my host with a positive experience.

https://www.facebook.com/TheAdventuresOfChuckManley
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Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I joined CS 7 years ago and it has left a tremendous impact on who I am. It has been an amazing tool in making the world a smaller place. I've surfed on hundreds of couches, plenty of floors, several backyards, and 2 sailboats. I host when I can, bring a dish to the potluck, and will meetup with a local or traveler alike anywhere I'm at in the world. I've also helped organize dozens of events large and small bringing people together wherever I am.

The site has gone through considerable changes since when I joined in 2008, but it still remains a tool that I use to connect with people. I've watched a lot of good people lose faith in this community and leave it altogether. I want to pass the torch and share my incredible experiences with whoever wants to share them with me.

Interests

-photo/video (i can go off on a very happy tangent about all things camera stuff if you let me)
-cooking (mainly vegetarian asian/indian/mexican)
-marketing (digital, live experiential, professionally, or not)
-dance (i don't know how to dance, but I can certainly make it look like I can)
-read/write/talk about subjects that can only cheesily be called deep, interesting, or exciting
-beer snobbery

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: i enjoy things i can dance to, sing along to, and/or bring me to a certain moods.

Movies: baraka, requeim for a dream, waking life, before sunrise, cool documentaries, great cinematography, and nothing with Will Ferrell in it.

Books: The Achemist and most other books by Paulo Coelho, Illusions, Tuesdays with Morie, The Five People You Meet In Heaven, The Celestine Prophecy, Spiritual Stuff, self improvement stuff

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've hitchhiked in 5 countries, attended 7 rainbow gatherings, gone to Burning Man twice, jumped out of a plane, lived under an avocado tree in Guatemala, spent 6 months in India, got certified in scuba diving, traveled on a veggie oil powered hippie bus, and have taken nearly 100,000 photos of it all.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you about photography, budget traveling, marketing, mycology, and cooking.

I want to learn how to be the best version of myself I can.

Let's share a meal, some conversation, and maybe a drink.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A delicious meal prepared with love and gratitude is a guarantee when you host me.

I'm also willing to lend a hand around the house, chop firewood, paint a wall, take out the trash, and love being useful.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mexico, Peru, Spain, United States

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