Hi, I'm Anna. I'm in my early twenties and after living and working in the UK for two years have developed a love of travel. My philosophy is that anywhere and everywhere is interesting and I love learning about the history and culture of places I visit. I'm always searching for 'off-the-beaten-path' places - I enjoy seeking out the hidden secrets of a place, supporting local businesses and cafés, and taking my time to explore (by walking, talking to locals, and travelling at a slower pace). After a trip to Paris in February, where I stayed with a friend and her grandparents, I am really keen to try Couchsurfing, as a way of meeting locals and seeing life in the destinations I visit from a new perspective.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'd love to expand my knowledge and experiences of the places I visit by interacting with locals and getting to know their way of life. I have found travel to be an amazing educator - by seeing how other people live I have learnt so much about the world and about human nature.

I am a friendly person and easy to get along with. I am clean and tidy and will do all I can to help out (with dishes, cooking, etc.) while I am in your home.

Interests

• reading
• music
• history
• art
• nature
• dance
• theatre

Music, Movies, and Books

As an accompanist, I love classical music, especially Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Glinka, Bach, Beethoven. I also enjoy film music and modern ballet music (e.g. Joby Talbot, Adam Crystal).

My favourite movies are those with a historical base / romantic comedies: Titanic, Atonement, The Notebook, etc.

Reading is one of my favourite things to do. I love classic literature and have recently enjoyed War and Peace, To Kill A Mockingbird, and Sense and Sensibility. I also love historical fiction (e.g. Philippa Gregory, Alison Weir) - All The Light We Cannot See was a particularly good book I read recently. But I will basically read anything, especially if it is well written and I learn something!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

During my third year of university I tutored a Chinese lady for her tourism masters, assisting with English language use in her assignments. This was an amazingly rewarding experience - I got to know her well and we had excellent conversations (from our two cultural perspectives) on the tourist industry, climate change, and slow travel. Her masters project was from a Buddhist perspective, so I also had the chance to learn about a way of life I may not have encountered otherwise. I have stayed in touch with my student and often think of her and of our travel-based conversations while travelling.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I would love to spend time with my hosts and share my experience of growing up in New Zealand, as well as of living in the UK for two years. I am happy to share travel tips and ideas from anywhere I have been to or lived.

If you have a piano, I am happy to give you a lesson and / or play some music during my stay. I find music is a great way of connecting with people (especially if there is a language barrier).

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Cambodia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Guernsey, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Jersey, Monaco, Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Kingdom, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

New Zealand, United Kingdom