I was born in the USA, studied in Spain, worked in France. I have dual nationality (French/American), and have spent most of my life hopping back and forth between America and Europe. I am a certified translator but I have spent most of my life teaching English and Spanish. I am looking to become a translator full time.

I have lived on and off in Metz for a decade so I think I know the city well, but always looking to know more and meet people from here.
I travel quite often to Paris at the moment and lived also in Madrid, Barcelona, Cincinnati, Lisbon at different points of my life.

I would characterize myself as a citizen in the world since I feel fine anywhere but nowhere is really home. I love languages (some would say I am even obsessed by them) and am sure I will never stop learning them. They are part of my daily life.

I would say I am a calm type of person and easy to get along with. Pisces is my sign and really characterizes me. I love water too! I particularly love chilling out, at a café with a bottle of wine, at a park, on a beach. I avoid stress.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I would like to meet and exchange experiences with people from the world over who share similar backgrounds and interests.

I wish I could host people but beyond a small couch and a sleeping bag on the floor I have not much more to offer now, But hopefully that will change. I would happily show my city to others, help out however I can, and show other places I know well if the occasion arises: Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, New York, Chicago, Cincinnati. I hope to meet other people while I travel as well.

Interests

I love anything cultural and in whatever way it is manifested, including but not only art, theater, music, literature, world cuisine, cinema. I am not an expert in any of these but am always in search of broadening my knowledge. I am very open-minded.
I also take long walks. I can capable of walking 4 hours across a big city from one end to the other, or down a river or beach.

• arts
• literature
• theater
• wine
• running
• walking
• movies
• chess
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• history
• languages
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

It is difficult to limit this.

I am a big fan of New Wave music (Depeche Mode, New Order.... similar), also Latino music, world music, classical music, easy listening music, lounge music, heavy metal, classical rock, sometimes even country music. I believe there is a time and place for most types of music. Spotify is great for discovering new music.

I enjoy any type of film but especially something original, with unexpected turns and endings, and psychological deep thought. David Lynch, Pedro Almodovar, Woody Allen are some of my favorit directors. Maybe my favorite film was Thelma and Louise.

I read about anything, but especially French and Spanish literature, also my favorite is criminal/ mystery novels type Donna Leon, Agatha Christie, Andrea Camilleri. Besides that I quite like Paulo Coelho, and Carlos Ruiz Zafon.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

As originally a full-blooded American I managed to realize my dream of living and working permanently in France.
After struggling I managed to get my Ph.d and wrote my doctoral thesis on contemporary Spanish theater.

It is hard to pick one. I loved running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain and seeing the Palio in Siena, Italy. Discovering a beautiful view is also priceless

Teach, Learn, Share

Languages, hobbies and interests.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Sharing passions, stories, interests, legends, history. I am a good listener.
I enjoy going out, discovering new interests and am game for pretty much anything.
I like playing cards and chess and can make a great paella.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Portugal, Spain, United States