Every adventure is an offering to a grand life

My journey began with a challenge. A childhood friend boasted he was headed to South America to learn Spanish and explore. I was in awe. How could he do this? We were regular kids. I worked full time and went to college full time.

“Yeah, man. I’m going.”
“Where?”
“I don’t know. Wherever my pen lands on the map in South America.”
“Dude… nah…”
“I mean, why not?”
“Do you have a plan?”
“Not really.”
“You have money?”
“Not really. It’ll work out.”
“How?”

Thus the trap was set. The mystery of what could be seen and experienced! The world is such a big place. I needed to see it. It took three days to come to my senses. What a ridiculous thought... abandoning my responsibilities, going to a “third world” country infamous for abductions, and unrest. A banana republic—the propaganda I’d been fed my young life. I’d be derailing my college education. Nope. No way. Not smart. Not safe.

Wait a minute. Why? Would time not slip away regardless? Would I regret delaying school, or maintaining a limited cultural view?

That introspective weekend derailed my life course permanently. Normalcy lost to possibility. I was lost. Lost in the jungles and cloud forests of Ecuador. Lost in the ocean playing tag with sea lions in the Galapagos. Lost in a Spanish colonial bedroom reading more than I had in school. Lost in conversation in a language other than my first. Lost to new potentials. And so it began, the deviation of my education. My friend never ended up going. I was scared, and alone. I cried on that first plane ride. I found myself right where I was—on the adventure of a lifetime.

From the moment I landed, people came forward to assist me in my journey. There’s always been angels out there willing to aid travelers. This never stopped for me. Allow me to return the favor. Hasta la vista

我为什么加入 Couchsurfing

To see who’s on the other side of the door. We’ve never experienced this level of access to other people around the world. I’d rather dance with you than follow your digital footprint.

兴趣

Scuba, skydiving, snowboarding, skiing, skating, hiking, dancing, theatre

• live music
• camping
• scuba diving
• skydiving
• snowboarding

音乐、电影和书籍

All of it! Milan Kundera and Charles Bukowski are a few of my favorite authors. P.T. Anderson films. Blade Runner, and the list goes on and on.

我做过的一件不可思议的事情

Why just one?
- La Tomatina in Buñol
- Swam from the shore to the church on Lake Bled. Stole a row boat to get back. Sorry Father. It was hard
- Herded sheep w/ guachos on horseback in Rivera do Sul
- Climbed the exterior of an Ecuadorian 12-story building to splice into cable tv for a girl
- Experienced the death of the Sucre and Dollarization of Ecuador. Lots of tear gas
- ParaOlympics in Rio
- Best man in a statesman wedding in Tokyo, followed by karaoke, completely lost in translation
- Slept in/on everything from benches, bathtubs, parks, fields, caves, castles, penthouses, cars, trains, planes, jimjilbangs, capsules, and cobblestone streets
- Caught in the middle of Venezuela’s Chavez riots. More tear gas

教，学，和分享

Fav Boise Spots:
https://www.google.com/maps/placelists/list/fB8fo3GcRqOsmiqn1oOPXA

Hot Springs in Idaho:
https://visitidaho.org/travel-tips/7-must-visit-idaho-hot-springs/

Guide to Santa Monica street art:
https://www.santamonica.com/complete-guide-to-street-art-murals-in-santa-monica/

Best hikes in LA with a view:
https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/things-to-do/best-hikes-in-la-get-outdoors-and-view-the-city-from-the-hills

Best beaches in LA:
https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/things-to-do/best-beaches-in-la-top-coastal-escapes-to-surf-swim-and-play?cid=email--NEWSLETTER--US_LAX_EN_NEWSLETTER_THURS_CONTROL_20190314--54939--3/14/2019&subsid=10320--4--1821045

Best museums in LA:
https://www.thrillist.com/lifestyle/los-angeles/best-museums-in-la

Best LA donut shops:
https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/restaurants/the-best-donut-shops-in-la?cid=email--US_LAX_EN_NEWSLETTER_06_11_18--CTA

Top cocktail bars in San Diego (my old home):
https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-cocktail-bars-san-diego

我可以与沙发主分享些什么

Back adjustments. A new friend. Adventure.

我游览过的国家

Argentina, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Serbia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City State, Venezuela

我居住过的国家

Ecuador, United States