I'm passionate, free thinking and adventurous. I love to be surrounded by inspiring, intelligent people who take an interest in the world around them. My politics lean far to the left, and my sense of purpose comes from a desire to make the world a better place. Granted, this is a rather cliche and vague ambition, and I can hardly call myself an activist anymore. I used to be active in environmental issues in particular. But these days, rather than holding a picket sign, I am searching for a more effective means to generate change.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I hope to explore as many parts of the world as I can. My desire for new experiences often compels me to jump on a bus, train, or plane, book a place in a backpackers' hostel, and assuage my sense of adventure. Put simply, I love to travel and meet new people. After years of trying to convince me, I have finally found the courage to host strangers in my home, and am considering being a guest.

I love the idea that travelling should be accessible to people on any budget, and that good karma arises from giving people space to enjoy a town. As much as I love making new friends while backpacking, I think it is a wonderful idea to meet and get to know locals. What better way to do so? Plus, as a host I can show people the places I like that you won't find in any travel guides.

Interests

I'm creative and dabble in various artistic pursuits, from knitting to pottery, because interesting people have interests. I used to play French horn in a concert band, and now I can strum about six chords on a ukelele. I'm more the outdoors type than the nightclub type. I like to camp, hike, swim and go spelunking. But I love living in the city, and going out to pubs and cafes. I also love checking out live music, theater, and pretty much any other form of art. Any of these activities are even more exciting when I get to try them while traveling.

• arts
• books
• theater
• concerts
• wine
• running
• pub crawls
• politics
• traveling
• pottery
• knitting
• music
• live music
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• backpacking
• spelunking
• camping
• swimming
• teaching
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

Lately, I have been listening to entirely too much Kimya Dawson. I also have a soft spot for Ani Difranco and Lisa Mitchell. But when I don't need to get in touch with my inner self-righteous feminist with a guitar, I often listen to music from generations that precede me. Sometimes, it's Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel or The Grateful Dead. Other days it might be David Bowie, The Clash, Elvis Costello, James Taylor or Joni Mitchell.

Many of my favourite musicians arguably hit their peak sometime in the 1990s, such as The Lemonheads, Tom Petty, The Shins, Erin Mckeown, Modest Mouse, Belle and Sebastian, They Might Be Giants, The New Pornographers and Built to Spill. I try to be aware of music that's been recorded in this decade. Beirut, The Mountain Goats, Sarah Blasko, Lisa Mitchell, Regina Spektor and Florence + the Machine come to mind.

I read a lot of memoirs and autobiography. My bookshelves are also full of history texts, and childrens' books. The best part of being a teacher is collecting books.

I don't watch movies very often, but love a good documentary or art house film. I enjoy the big blockbusters, too.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The first thing that comes to mind is being a teacher. It is pretty amazing. All of my travels have been rewarding and all, but the times I have been able to share my skills as a volunteer English teacher hold special memories for me. I have worked as a primary school teacher for some years now, when work is a thing I am doing.

I chose this profession when I realized it was time to find a grown up job. Some days, I enjoy it very much. Other days, I am tempted to run screaming out of the classroom. I could write a whole lot about how great it is to get to help shape the young minds of our future generation. But I wouldn't be honest if I didn't also mention that school holidays are pretty awesome.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love good conversation, especially if I can bring along a bottle of wine. I always take my knitting with me, and am regularly asked to share my skills, if you are into that...

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Laos, Lesotho, Malaysia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Arab Emirates

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Mexico, United Kingdom, United States