I am 32 and I just got married a few weeks ago! I've also quit my job and will take some time off to travel to work on side projects including a community lending library that I started with my partner.

I worked on park and public transportation advocacy work by informing cities on best practices and outreaching to residents on creating a greener and healthier community.

I quit after 8 years and have decided to take a mini retirement to relax and travel. My partner will hopefully join me soon. I was also in the military for 8 years and that has taught me a lot about imperialism and waste. I think we can all do better for peace by being open the understanding of differences. I think travel and meeting new people is a great way to do that.

I am vaccinated with two boosters and about to get the 3rd booster.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I live in the suburbs of Los Angeles but have knowledge of landmarks and places that may be off the beaten path. I would be more than happy to show visitors around. Part of my previous job include leading hikes and bike rides in around Los Angeles. I've had many great experiences couchsurfing. I think it's such an amazing way to learn from others that you don't get from just staying at a hotel.

Interests

Cycling, hiking, backpacking, advocacy work, volunteering, traveling, live music, museums.

• traveling
• music
• live music
• cycling
• hiking
• backpacking
• tourism
• volunteering
• tours
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Amelie, Big Fish, Brother Where Art Thou?, Forrest Gump, Les Miserables, Harry Potter Series, Lord of the Rings Trilogy...

I love collecting and reading travel guidebooks even if I cannot visit the places. It's a great way for me to learn about other countries and people. It's also a way to keep my hopes up of visiting all the places I read about!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I started a free community library focused on books by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color with my partner. We have over 1500 books in the collection and over 80-100 books are on loan at any given time.

As an advocate for our local mountains, I've met President Barack Obama when he came to designate the mountains as a national monument.

I've led over 100 community bike rides.

I've biked down most of the California Coast (~600mi, 966km)

I've taken the Amtrak train (US trains are very slow) from New York to Los Angeles.

Teach, Learn, Share

I founded and run a free community library with over 2000 books. Most of the books are by Black, Indigenous, or people of color. We've hosted poetry readings, bike rides, book clubs, literary discussions, dinners, music concerts, etc. I would love to talk to you about your favorite books and events to exchange ideas!

I'm also an amateur cook but love sharing what knowledge I have including recipes.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Recipes, book recommendations, some unique places to visit in California, and household chores!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, United Kingdom, United States

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