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  • Last login almost 2 years ago

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Overview

  • 3 references 2 Confirmed & Positive
  • Fluent in English, Spanish; learning French
  • 50, Male
  • Member since 2013
  • Consultant
  • Political Science and Finances. MBA.
  • From Colombia
  • Profile 100% complete

About Me

"Life should be more than this" --I said to myself back in 2013 while working in Corporate America. Weeks and months staring at Excel charts, dealing with clients and rushing to meet the next deadline was like a movie with no plot.

So I decided to align dreams and actions, and took a leap of faith: A five month leave of absence to travel through South America with the promise of coming back.

As you can imagine I did go back to the office, but only to give my two week notice. I had discovered that life was not just more than 60 hours a week in a cubicle, but a once in a life time opportunity.

Hi, my name is Jose!

I am fortunate to have lived and grown between Colombia and the US, and privilege to call the later my home.

It's been more than two years since I quit that job and by fate, fortune and serendipity I am still discovering life. Along the way I backpacked, bicycled, met incredible people and went through rough situations.

But above all discovered the joys of helping others, and the power of dreaming the future to make it a reality in the present time.

My passion is to live a life that is beneficial for people and the planet. Considering small day to day actions -lifestyle, food, family, work, relationships, money, travel- but also much larger questions of contentedness, purpose, privilege and the responsibility that comes with it.

It is now Summer of 2016 and happily I have just arrive back in the US -right fo the 4th!

Much has happened in these more than two years; plenty of new things have been learned and many more un-learned.

I am then re-discovering the US, its people and the incredible opportunity that is to be here. I would like to explore and eventually settle in Colorado, so will be traveling around the state and the nearby areas for the rest of the year.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am on CS because exchanging time, ideas and experiences with people from diverse backgrounds and life stories is just awesome. Each one of us is a universe in its own, what a great opportunity to learn, help and share.

Around the time I started traveling was when CS came into my radar. Haven't been a host yet but when I am in a position to do it, will love to have an enjoyable space for travelers to come.

I have surfed in Charleston, SC, Peru and Uruguay with positive and engaging people. I have also met and hung out with solo and groups of travelers in Argentina and Colombia. Always an interesting crowd.

Interests

These days I am focus on the believe that the only way to predict the future is first to dream it, and build those dreams today. To be the change we want to see in the world.

I am also expanding on the many lessons on minimalism and slow travel that I've gathered. The power of bicycles as the main mean of transportation.

And to build a career where the main goal is not the size of a bank account but the positive impact on the health and well being of everybody.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In my early twenties I took the Trans-Siberian Train from Beijing to Moscow.

On the Russian side of the border I was pulled off the train by armed guards at midnight, accused of being a "Kriminal" and jailed for an entire week in a small cell.

It was a mistake of course. But if we get to talk I will tell you all the details of being jailed in Siberia and lived to tell the story.

What I Can Share with Hosts

If you decide you're interested in hosting me, I'm looking forward to cooking with you, as well as sharing stories!

I volunteered and worked in drug policy reform in Latin America during these last years. A fascinating topic with wide impact in our society so will gladly share everything I know.

I'm respectful of personal space and work schedules, and have pretty minimal needs in terms of living space. Running errands and helping out? Sure!

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Russian Federation, Singapore, Uruguay

Countries I’ve Lived In

Argentina, China, Colombia, United States

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