How my friends describe me:
1. Open-minded - hates being in a bubble (I.e., keeping to myself and sticking with people of the same ethnic background as me). I would rather explore the myriads of cultures this world has to offer.

2. Direct/Blunt, no beating around the bush! (similar to my Dutch acquaintances and former co-workers) - half of the time, this gets me into trouble back in my home country.

3. Listener - most of the time mistaken for being anti-social. It would help if you gave me subtle queues when I should be speaking. I am not a fan of small talk, though.

4. Introvert but not anti-social - not a fan of crowded places like clubs and music festivals. Very mindful of personal space.

I recently moved to New York City for a job in public accounting. My work experience and travels have exposed me to a multicultural environment, which is something I cannot live without. On top of my work, I am also studying a master's degree online and use my time in the program to network and meet more people.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

While many see Couchsurfing as a way to get free accommodation (or even as a dating app), I see CS as an avenue for learning about the local culture of the places I visit. I also use this platform to meet like-minded travellers at home or abroad to hear about their stories and share mine in return.

Note:
1. CS is NOT Tinder or Bumble. Let’s be clear: I’m not here for a fling or a relationship.
2. Clubbing, partying, bar-hopping, and music festivals such as Coachella (or anything along those lines) are not my cup of tea. I would rather spend time getting to know people from the Couchsurfing community at a personal level. I am fine with casual drinking in a speakeasy bar or a bar with good food (1-2 drinks only).
3. I do not tolerate racism, sexism, or other forms of discrimination. Yes, everyone is welcome regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, etc.
4. I do not smoke

Interests

• cooking
• organic food
• yoga
• crossfit
• anime
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• swimming
• solo travel
• manga
• museums
• plant-based food
• foreign languages
• castles
• weightlifting
• taylor swift
• kick boxing
• nature walks
• japanese language
• nature conservation
• health and fitness
• circuit training
• japanese calligraphy

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

2022 - Relocated to the US and admission for an online MBA in 2022. All in one year!

2019 - Hitched a ride at Oirase Stream, Aomori Prefecture after missing the last bus going back to my guesthouse.

2018 - Helped a Japanese girl with her English homework on local train ride from Hiroshima Station to Miyajima.

2017 - Learned how to speak some Hida dialect in Japan.

2016 - Summited Mt. Fuji in Japan

Teach, Learn, Share

I can cook a decent meal, and take pictures. I can also share some aspects of Japanese culture, which I enjoy.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can help with chores, cook a decent meal (preferably plant-based), and share my travel experiences.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Philippines, United States