I'm Lien! I'm turning 30 shortly and I've lived in Charlottesville ~5 years!

My friends describe me as; authentic, empathetic and passionate

I always try and bring my full authentic self to all aspects of my life, I love to learn and grow and do the best that I can to help support others alongside the way.

I'm SUPER passionate about the water. I love being by and in the ocean (or just any body of water to be honest) I used to be a lifeguard and swim instructor. I'm PADI scuba certified and some items on my bucket list is to dive with the rays during their migration in Mexico as well as dive alongside some humpback whales in Tonga.

I'm also very passionate about animals, I have a super soft spot for spot for senior animals. I volunteer at a local rescue and I also volunteer as the partnership manager for a local animal rescue & sanctuary.

I also really enjoy connection, I love building and maintaining good relationships with others along the way! I really get intrigued by learning about people and what drives them. I love learning about a persons motivation, how they think and how they build and look at relationships.

I also LOVE to shop and thrift. I'm also pretty good at finding obscure things - like a random toy you had as a child but can't remember who made it. if you need to find anything - I'm your go to girl.

I attended college in Philadelphia, PA & studied Psychology!

Things I can talk about forever:
- art & crafts (newly trying digital art)
- technology (I built my gaming computer!)
- food (honestly all types, but authentic & local is my favorite)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I was recently part of the wave of tech layoffs so I have some more time to experience things & I'd love to share my space to help others have a positive experience as well along the way!

I've realized some of my best experiences were due to the people I've met alongside the way and the lessons I've learned along the way (:

I'd love to have the opportunity to make some new friends and connections and just explore and experience other cities. I like to believe there is magic in everything and I love finding it (:

Interests

• photography
• swimming
• food
• learning new things
• diving
• exploring

Music, Movies, and Books

I open to most types of music! Generally listen to a lot of indie pop/folk/lofi

One of my favorite musical experiences was seeing John Mayer perform at a small historic music hall, it was all acoustic and it sounded so incredible!

I've also seen Jack Johnson, Beach House, Modest Mouse, Train, Dead & Company, Andy Grammer, Turnover and much more!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I got to meet the dogs who participated in the Iditarod in Alaska!

Teach, Learn, Share

I'd love to share my knowledge and expertise of local food in the area or fun experiences in the DMV to explore.

I grew up in the Northeast, so also can share some great tips on where I think the best bagel is in NYC, the best Italian food in NJ and the best Cheesesteak in Philly (PA)

I love learning about other peoples experiences and cultures!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Honestly, my love language is acts of service and I love doing things to help lighten the load where I can for others. Whether that's helping around with chores, calling the dentist to schedule that appointment you've been dreading, or even some advice if you'd like or just being a friendly ear to listen.

I love sharing experiences with others, so would love to experience something that sparks joy with you. Whether it is the local brewery, a walk in the park, going on an impromptu road trip, trying the new food place but wanting to have someone experience it alongside you!

I can share some good conversations as well, I can be as chatty or as quiet as you'd like me to be.

I also have been told I'm a great shopper 😄 - if you need any recommendations I'm totally happy to help with that as well!

Very amateur photographer but also always happy to snap some pics (new headshot picture or family picture??) and share those with you.

Countries I’ve Visited

Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Canada, Cuba, France, Grenada, Haiti, Italy, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin (French part), United States, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, United States