I promise I'm not as dirty as I look.

My name is Chris, and I'm strangely well-traveled in East Asia, but nowhere else.

That's about to change next week though. I'm going to Europe for the very first time! I've been busy with work though, so I'm really unprepared and have basically nothing planned beyond my friend's wedding on the 4th.

Help me! :|

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I originally joined back in 2009 when I lived in Tokyo because I loved being a host and cooking for the new people I met. I hosted 9 couchsurfers back then and have been good friends with most of them ever since. I have really never had a bad experience with a fellow couchsurfer.

It's just a great community, and now that I finally have a couch, I've been thinking of hosting again!

Interests

Languages, outdoorsy activities, being a boozy booze-hound, painting my naked body and riding a bike in front of thousands of onlookers, weird topics of conversation.

• cooking
• traveling
• painting
• cycling
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Lots, lots. I have pretty eclectic tastes, so I'm sure we'll have something in common. Invite me over so we can chat!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I used to work for an international high school exchange program that brought Asian students to the United States, but it was a pretty awful company. :|

So I decided "screw this", quit my job, tricked some friends into a road trip, and drove across the country from Philadelphia to Seattle with absolutely no work prospects. It was the best decision of my life.

Teach, Learn, Share

Tips from my travels:

- It is verrry easy to gain weight when traveling. Choose your battles/bagels wisely.

- Do not EVER incur roaming charges on your phone. :(

- Extra socks.

- Bring small gifts for your hosts.

- There is a balance between planning and spontaneity.

- Learn the damn language. Or at least make an effort.

- Try the pig shank. It's delicious.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I think it is a great thing to open your home to someone, and the last I could do is do a fun activity or night out on the town with my host. I would never be one of those "ghost" surfers that you see only once when they arrive and once when they leave.

I'm into language and linguistics. I teach students Japanese in my spare time, so if you'd like a few lessons then I'd be more than happy to give you a few!

I'm always willing to cook a good meal for someone I've just met. :)

Uh... do you need a Dungeon Master?

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, China, South Korea, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, United States

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