CURRENT MISSION

Write the great American novel!

ABOUT ME

I just graduated and returned from a backpacking trip from Europe!
I heard about couchsurfer while I was there, and I thought it was a brilliant idea.
I'm an all-round artist, though I focus on becoming a novelist. My art (especially my writing) focuses strongly on the concept of Globlization. I want to mesh cultures and languages, and the perspectives they create in order to find a universal human condition. That's actually why I joined this site! I want to meet people, preferably artists, historians, or someone who can bring a serious passion to the table for discussion. I want to learn from you! I would love to hear some of your local music or see some local art, or--if you want to leave something behind--a book. I have an iPod, so if you bring a CD I'd love to rip it into an MP3.
I'm not ready to take people in. I'm still in the process of getting a job and an apartment, but I'll be in the general area anyway. I wanted to get on here to make plans for a couple months in the future. Either way, I'm sure you'll want to see Chicago, not a stupid suburb. I've been doing some exploring and learning the city the best I can, so I can show you interesting places and people.
Unfortunately, anyone who needs a couch will actually be getting a COUCH. I doubt I'll be affording an extra bed. Also, I'll have a roommate.
I smoke, though we're not planning on smoking indoors. So, smokers and non-smokers are welcome.
I'm rather care-free, your cliche artist I suppose.
I enjoy cooking, and if you plan on coming to Chicago you'll probably want some deep dish pizza (it's what we're known for). I'm currently perfecting my recipe, and would love to try it out. I'd love some of your local recipes too, of course.

Basically, I'm here for a dialogue in knowledge.
Oh, and for a little reassurance, I'm currently in a relationship...so I'm not a creeper. =)

PHILOSOPHY

Take risks, and remember that there is always beauty. The way we construct identity is through the "other", so assume that everyone is inclined to dislike you at first. That concept of the other is what I (and this site, apparently) strive to disassemble.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I think I touched a bit too much on this in the "about me", but oh well.
I want to show people Chicago, and to learn from outside perspectives. I've been to Thailand and backpacked across Europe. I speak moderate Spanish, beginning Thai, and just a touch of Polish. Hopefully that'll do something for someone.
Do me a favor and bring your art if you're an artist! Anything, just a sample.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I'm new!
Hopefully, this will be updated soon.

Interests

- Literature
- Music
- Visual Arts
- History
- Linguistics

• arts
• writing
• books
• literature
• beauty
• cooking
• recipes
• reading
• socializing
• music
• backpacking
• history
• languages
• visual arts

Music, Movies, and Books

Oh yikes, this could take a long time.
Recently, the best book I've read is Jonathan Foer's "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close". Rushdie is another favorite contemporary author.
Music...I have a very broad range. I'll update this later.
Movies--I'm going to say that my two new favorite movies are "There will be blood" and "The Fountain". Just...wow.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Humanity.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have a pretty broad range of knowledge, not to sound boastful! I spent a couple years in college reading textbooks in my spare time. If you want a serious engagement with me, we'll have to talk about art or the human condition. =) I understand those things better than I understand anything.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Cambodia, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Thailand, United States