From my travel journal:

What is the value in knowing how many planets orbit the sun and how many stars exist in our galaxy, if we cannot stand before them and feel humbled at their magnificent glory, if we cannot be made to feel extreme wonderment at their very existence. What is the value in knowing the creatures which thrive in the ocean if we cannot sink our souls in the waves and be renewed by the tide we once came from. What is the value in knowing the height of mountain tops if we cannot stand on the peak and revel at their majesty and our own perseverance.

Why do I travel? My human form, my body, is the culmination of everything which has ever existed in the universe. I am made of the mountains and the sea, of stardust and sunlight. I am the breath of every man and woman to ever exist. I am the trees, the flowers, the predators, and the prey. My body is made, literally, of this earth. My existence cannot be separated. My experiences and thoughts are the culmination of a world and a human kind that has evolved for centuries. I travel long distances, to foreign lands and to new customs, to discover all that which is a part of me and to discover all that has created me. It is a physical, external journey that takes me to new depths within my own heart and soul. By being witness to the extraordinary beauty of this planet and by surrendering to encounters with new cultures, I find new ways to think, new ways to love, new ways to be grateful and appreciative. My journey through space and time physically is a reflection of my inward journey. I am shaped and I am moulded. I travel to discover myself, to push my limits and to experience that which I never even thought could exist. I expand my heart and mind in ways I never could if I were static. It is a great privilege to move about this earth.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As I'm getting ready to start on some of the biggest adventures of my life, I want to get to know the people in the places I'm going. Staying with a local and learning first hand about a new place seems like the best way to experience life.

Interests

• design
• graphic design
• photography
• cooking
• wine
• beer
• yoga
• running
• traveling
• guitar
• piano
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• surfing
• rock climbing
• swimming
• mountains
• polytheism

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Nahko and Medicine for the People, Dustin Thomas, Xavier Rudd, Trevor Hall, Rising Appalachia, Matt Corby, Hozier, James Bay, Gallant, Kevin Garrett, X Ambassadors, Krishna Das, East Forest, Elephant Revival, Native Sibling, Ed Sheeran, Sleeping at Last, anything classical

Books: currently reading A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking and The Untethered Soul

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Made the choice to leave behind everything I've worked my entire life for.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am a 200-hour CYT, so am happy to teach some yoga! I'm also pretty good in the kitchen and am happy to cook some meals!

I am ready to learn anything and everything someone can share with me. I love to hear stories of people's lives, and learning new cultures and customs. I'm always ready to try new foods, play new music, learn how to dance, study a new religion!

What I Can Share with Hosts

A little about me - I grew up in a small town in Colorado, and moved to Miami in 2008 to go to school. I stayed in Miami because I got a job as soon as I graduated. This job has afforded me the ability to do quite a bit of travelling over the last 3 or so years, and now I can't sit still. I just quit my job to backpack the world for 8 months, and then resettling in New Zealand. I'm just so in love with this big, beautiful world. I can't imagine a life not spent travelling and seeing all there is. If you want to learn more about me, please feel free to ask any questions! To see more photos, my instagram is @annabear108331

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States