Raymond (RJ)

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hi ! I'm RJ. I'm 32 years old and I live in Los Angeles. I love to play/compose music, be in nature, cook. Even though I tend to be a bit shy/reserved at first, I love meeting new people. I'm motivated by the serendipity and spirituality of life. I love creating deep relationships with the things I do and the people I meet. I'm an introverted person and I value my time alone. I try to always nurture that part of myself and believe it's extremely important in the pursuit of peace and self love.

A huge part of my desire to live abroad is to improve my Italian language level. I consider myself fluent currently, but it's still a bit clunky. My family is originally from Sicilia, but the language was lost a few years ago. I'd like to bring it back to my family. Although they were probably speaking dialect, I opted to learn "The fancy Italian" as my great grandmother would call it.

I love kids and the perspective they bring to life. The older I get, the harder it is to hold on to that child-like wonder and I find myself seeking that often- In life in general, and as a connection to my creative endeavors.

Interests

Farming

Self development

Pets

Culture

Plant care

Music

Books

Writing

Performing arts

Languages

Gardening

Cooking & food

Animals

Yoga / Wellness

Nature

Fitness

Mountain

Outdoor activities

Hiking

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent

More details about my language interests
As I've stated earlier, a big part of my desire to live abroad is to deepen my Italian language level. It's something I spend hours on a day here in the states, but I feel stunted without being immersed in. I would love the opportunity and challenge to be speaking mostly in Italian during my stay.

Find a language partner

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Light gardening

Babysitting and creative play

Helping around the house

Life at a Farmstay

Being an elderly companion

---

Some knowledge of:  

Languages

Art Projects

---

Able to teach about:  

Teaching

More details about your skills

Music is and has always been a huge part of my life. I've been playing guitar and singing for over 20 years and piano for about 10. I have a Bachelors Degree in vocal performance. I write songs with lyrics and compose music for orchestral instruments. I currently teach piano, songwriting, guitar and music theory lessons here in LA and can gladly lend a hand to anyone wanting to learn anything about this world.

I don't have any formal teaching experience in English, but I have roughly....an entire lifetime of experience speaking it ;). I'm passionate about language and would be happy to help someone on their language journey.

My mom owned restaurants growing up and I practically grew up in them. I've worked in many, mostly as an "expo," the interface between the kitchen and the wait staff. I did work as a cook for a Mexican food pop up for a few years in Nashville TN. I cook most meals for myself.

Age

33

What else ...

I'm currently taking a little break from playing, but I LOVE basketball. I'm also fairly involved with daily exercise. On my break from basketball, I've picked up swimming again, something I did a lot when I was a kid.

Some more information

• 

  Smoker

• 

  Driver's licence

• 

  Allergies

• 

  Special dietary requirements