CURRENT MISSION

Find extraordinary delight in even the ordinary of life.

ABOUT ME

Following paths i never expected to take, being in places i never expected to be, and having a life i never expected to love as much as i do.

I've been fortunate enough to experience life in diverse communities, such as while an English teacher in central Taiwan for 2 years and as an au pair in Torino, Italy for a year and half. After a return to the US for some extended time near family and further adventure sorting, I joined my boyfriend in his hometown of San Jose, Costa Rica to explore life with the Ticos. We've since gotten married and are looking forward to more travel and adventures together!

PHILOSOPHY

I want to live a life that recognizes and affirms the blessing that each day and each person is.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Though I haven't had the opportunity to host yet, CS meetings, picnics and events were a major part of my experience in Torino. Meeting new people and sharing or finding a great spot is my favorite thing about CouchSurfing.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

My first surfing experience was a very cool last-minute host that not only met me at the train station but accompanied me to the event I was visiting for, ensuring I got there and back to "my" bed safe and sound! After resting very comfortably, we got to spend a morning sight-seeing and exploring. Fabulous!

Most recently, my lovely summer vacation in Sardegna was made possible through the generosity of several hosts who actually sent invitations to me when none of my requests were successful. Mattia and Massimo were great helping me a get a broad (if brief) look at their enchanting island.

Interests

Arts! whether absorbing and admiring works in museums, basking in the beauty of a city's architecture, munching my way through popcorn and a cinematic treat, soaking in melodies or letting the music move me to dance, dance, dance, this is where my heart lies. Not to be left out is the art of words --- bookstores and libraries are my happy places. If cultural history and coffee can be included, I'm on top of the world.

• arts
• architecture
• beauty
• festivals
• dancing
• bachata
• coffee
• traveling
• music
• blues
• surfing
• teaching
• history
• au-pair
• last minute travel

Music, Movies, and Books

Movie faves include Stranger than Fiction, Chocolat, Before Sunrise, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Stardust, A Knights Tale, Chicago and Fiddler on the Roof...

books and music... well, those are broad lists too but would include Shakespeare's Comedies, lots of YA lit, George McDonald, Susana Vreeland, Nick Hornby, Margaret Atwood, Angela Carter, C.S. Lewis and Dr. Seuss for authors/books and Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Florence + the Machine, Neon Trees, Tiziano Ferro, La Roux, Joni Mitchell, the Temptations, Sam Cooke, Gilbert and Sullivan, Goldfrapp, Jack Johnson and almost anything off a Disney Soundtrack for a few musical suggestions.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Witnessing the sky lanterns at Pinxi's Lantern festival in northern Taiwan was absolute wonder. Hundreds of glowing lanterns drifted into the soft darkness of a spring night, turning into twinkling points of light that swayed and scattered in the clouds. Leaving the valley took hours and probably the longest line I've ever personally witnessed as hundreds of visitors overwhelmed the local train, and even supplementary bus systems. But hey, it was a total Taiwan moment that neither me nor my friend would have missed!

Teach, Learn, Share

English -- my language is my thing...I love to share it, I've got experience making it understandable and I'll try and cover anything you're wondering about. also, dancing! I know East Coast swing, Lindy Hop and a bit of Blues and the basics of most Latin rhythms like Salsa, Bachata, Merengue and Bolero. Though my abilities to lead are limited and I can teach best with a partner, I'm an enthusiast and can make you part of the fun.

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Colombia, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Nicaragua, Panama

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Costa Rica, Italy, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States