My partner Anthony and I left our jobs and our home in New Zealand, in August of 2017, to allow us to travel and experience New countries and cultures, and meet new people.

I have a textile design background, and I love exploring patterns through painting and drawing. Recently my work has been as a barista, and I have had more than 5 years experience in this field, a year of which was worked in Canada where we lived recently.

My career goal for when Anthony and I return to New Zealand at the end of 2019 is to begin studying again, this time in the field of Midwifery, as I have always had a desire to work in the medical field. I begin my studies in February 2020

As Couch-Surfing guests, we are respectful of personal space, and are always so thankful to those who have opened their homes to us when we have reached out. We enjoy preparing a meal as a way of saying thanks, asnd enjoy good conversations.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

We spent about 4 months out of the 8 in South America volunteering on various domestic and commercial farms, as well as at a few bed-and-breakfasts, which allowed us to engage with locals in a more organic and intimate way. We see couch-surfing as an extension of these wonderful experiences of meeting locals in their homes and their neighbourhoods, which might not usually be explored by the every-day tourist.

When we approach someone on Couch-surfing to possibly stay with them, it is from a desire to meet some people who have local insider knowledge of a their city, have a few pointers about what is good to see and do (especially on a budget!), and in general have the possibility to engage in rich conversations.

Thank you to all of the generous people out there who open their homes to many various types of travellers. We hope one day to return the favour when we are settled in to our new location!

Interests

• photography
• painting
• drawing
• art history
• medicine
• film photography
• independent films
• textile design
• learning japanese
• letter witing

Music, Movies, and Books

Authors : Barbara Kingsolver, Haruki Murikami

Music : Soul, Modern Folk, Indie Pop (eg. First Aid Kit, Laura Mvula, Emily King, Tove Styrke, Tank and The Bangas, Vacationer)

Tv Series : Grey's Anatomy, Terrace House, Seinfeld, Frasier, Altered Carbon, Orange is the New Black, Glow

Movies : Moulin Rouge, Walk the Line, Hidalgo, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Amelie, Being John Malkovich, Our Little Sister

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I lived and worked in Kolkata, India, for one year at the age of 20, at a really neat business called Freeset, which hires local women who have been victims of, or are at risk of sex-trafficking. The business itself is a jute/cotton bags and t-shirt factory, with screen-printing facilities, yet its core purpose is to provide a secure and holistic alternative to prostitution for the women who desire to leave the job they were sold into. The women all receive 3 months of paid training, and once completed they are all offered work in the ever-growing business, with fair wages, health insurance, reading/writing education, childcare (creche onsite), and advice/support to help pay off any debts (debts in India often have un-payable interest charged, and as education is not always guaranteed for these particular women, they are vulnerable to being taken advantage of).

My role in the business was production designer, which involved working alongside the screen-printing team, and communicating with clients around the world in respect to their designs to be used, and quality-checking the production. It was a highly rewarding experience, and I learned so much about living a very humble existence. The women I worked with offered the kindest welcome, and had so much love to give.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A home-cooked meal and warm conversations

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Peru, Scotland, Slovenia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, India, New Zealand