Hi guys, I am Juan Pablo, my friends call me JP. Born and raised in Chile, I have lived abroad for almost 9 years now. I spent some time in Spain, a long, almost 6 years in the States, and now I have been living in Melbourne for almost 4 years. Some of my favorite things to do are playing music and just learning in general; I also like exercising and going for runs whenever I can. But I am not too strict about it. I live life mostly by the minute. I try to stay happy and see the positive side of things. I don't like wasting time worrying about small stuff. Life is too short for that. I think this is an important aspect of my life. If it wasn’t for this "laid back" approach I would have never been able to survive a new life on the other side of the world...neither would I have made the friends I have, who are scattered all over the place. More professionally speaking, I am both a clinician and researcher on stroke rehabilitation and public health. I have studied tons, but not worked much. I did college in Chile; then worked as a clinician for 6 months; and then moved abroad to the US to do a doctorate in cognitive rehabilitation. On my way to becoming a better clinician, I decided to do a degree in public health. This helps me understand health issues from a population perspective and therefore target my goals to help entire groups, as opposed to single individuals. While in Melbourne I am both teaching and doing research. I love this city, and I would love to show it to anyone who is interested in seeing more of it; but more specifically, to those who would like to expand their circle and remain friends with me.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I want to contribute by helping, showing people around, and getting in contact with others. Everyone has their own story and ways of seeing the world; and I just enjoy listening to different stories and having conversations that would show me a different reality. Even better if it's with a drink in hand

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have been housed and housed people myself multiple times. I have never had a bad experience. Instead, I have actually made many friends and had great deals of fun in this community. I heard about CS in Madrid back in 2009 and I was able to travel around Europe as the poorest student in the continent :)

Interests

Listening to and playing music (I play percussions in general); playing ping pong (strangely enough, I played it competitively in Chile)

Who said Whisky!!!!

• traveling
• music

Music, Movies, and Books

I play the congas, bongos, and a bit of drums. I go along with any type of music, especially latin stuff. Watching movies, fitness, and playing sports are some of my favorite hobbies....

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Been to five countries in one day

Teach, Learn, Share

“All human actions are motivated at their deepest level by two emotions – fear or love. In truth there are only two emotions – only two words in the language of the soul…. Fear wraps our bodies in clothing, love allows us to stand naked. Fear clings to and clutches all that we have, love gives all that we have away. Fear holds close, love holds dear. Fear grasps, love lets go. Fear rankles, love soothes. Fear attacks, love amends”

~Neale Donald Walsch

What I Can Share with Hosts

Time!! I love spending time with my hosts and learning about them and what they do! If you ever stay with me don't be quiet! tell me about yourself! I am happy to sit down and have a chat, watch a movie, plan a day out exploring the city, cook something, etc. Sorry but I would generally not house you if I can't spend much time with you :( Also, I kinda hate those copy-paste messages. If I read your msg and realize that you haven’t even read my profile, then you have little to zero chances of staying with me. Same goes to non-verified members and members with fake names. You are staying at my home and I have taken the time to build my profile and register in every possible way; I offer you my place, plus friendliness, fun, and safety. All FOR FREE; so I need at least some kind of security that you are someone reliable (and real).

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, United States Minor Outlying Islands, Uruguay

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Chile, Spain, United States

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