Nomad, truth-seeker, traveler, writer, speaker, performer, humanist, and lover of all things wondrous.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To learn from the world and meet new friends, one couch at a time.

Interests

• writing
• chocolate
• swimming

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Roadtripped 5,000 kilometers up from Tandil, Argentina, to Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, in 5 weeks in March and April of this year. :-)

Teach, Learn, Share

HUMAN KINDNESS

People have asked me, "What is the most surprising thing about your journey so far?" The truth is: I am amazed by the kindness of strangers, and perhaps by my own ability to trust them back, as well. No matter where I've stopped along the way, unfailingly, there are always people who are ready and willing to help out in any way that they can.

After I came back from South America in April of this year, I quickly realized Austin was no longer the right place for me — a feeling that totally took me by surprise. Within a few weeks, I sold all my things, and packed up my car and headed west. I made my way across west Texas, following the Rockies up through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Canada, then over to Seattle, and down the Pacific Coast to San Francisco and Los Angeles, before making my way back up to the Pacific Northwest, which is where I've been playing for the past few weeks.

When I reached Glacier National Park in Montana, I came upon a lake as clear and still as glass. As I took in the majesty of the place, I noticed some splashing and ripples on the other end. Curious, I followed the shoreline. A family of four was there: a mom, dad, and their two young daughters. They were skipping stones. I laughed and smiled, and asked if they could teach me. The girls said, "Sure!" and handed me a stone. "It's all in the wrist," they said, "And when you pick out a stone, make sure it is light and as smooth as possible. Then, just flick!"

I took a breath, feeling the weight of the stone in my hand and set up my wrist to flick like they instructed. Then, FLICK — *pat*pat* — my stone skipped twice before gliding underneath the surface. INCREDIBLE! I had never skipped a stone in my entire life! I picked up another. AGAIN! Another successful double skip.

Sharing in my delight, the mom asked me about my journey, and I relayed my story. Seemingly impressed, she asked if I had anywhere to stay that night. I told her no. I had been in the practice of just allowing the Universe to take care of me and steer me in whatever direction it felt I should go. "Something will show up," I shrugged.

She said, "Well, we're staying at the KOA down the road, and we paid for a tent space, but we're not using it, because we're in our RV. You're welcome to pitch your tent there. We're also having tacos for dinner and a chocolate mousse cake I've been letting thaw out all day. You're welcome to join us!"

I stared in disbelief. In the past, I probably would have declined such a grand invitation, not wanting to impose. But, before I knew it, I heard myself saying, "Yes, I would love that," the words rolling out of my mouth freed from somewhere deep inside my being.

"Great!" she said, "We'll be eating around 7:30. But, don't have too high expectations on the tacos. We're from Minnesota. "

I laughed and thanked her, and told them I'd meet them there. I hung back after they headed back down the trail, watching the lake once more turned to glass. I left the park within the hour and made my way to the KOA, thanking my absolute lucky stars.

We ate dinner and played games. Apparently, one of the daughters was usually a quiet gal, but for whatever reason she really opened up around me and told me all about her love of mermaids. She even had a real mermaid tail attached to a slip-on spandex suit, which she promptly put on and demonstrated how to swim in it. I laughed until my belly ached. I hadn't had that much fun in such a long time. I forgot how much I loved playing games and sharing in that young schoolgirl mindset.

As the night began to wind down, the dad asked me how big my tent was. I told him it was a small two-person tent. "Perfect," he said. "That should fit just right outside in that gravelly area next to the RV." I nodded, ready to make my way back to my car to start setting up. "You're welcome to set it up out there," he continued, "Or, if you'd like, you can stay inside with us."

I stared again in disbelief, a smile spreading across my face. "How did I win this life?" I thought to myself.

"I would absolutely love that," I said at last.

What I Can Share with Hosts

My stories and great big bear hugs!

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Brazil, Costa Rica