CURRENT MISSION

Balance

ABOUT ME

Since graduating from university I have been traveling and working around the world, just trying to enjoy life and make a little bit of money at the same time. Right after college I moved to Shenzhen, China and after that I worked for the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD )in Bonn, Germany.

Since 2010 I have been working at an international charity that works to operate on children with cleft lips, palates, and burns. It is an amazing opprotunity to travel around the world and help people in need. I have spent most of my time with the organization in India but also have worked quite a bit in other parts of Asia and Africa.

PHILOSOPHY

Live your own personal legend and do what makes you happy.

Pangaea- we all come from one piece of land.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I became involved with Couchsurfing when I was living in Germany. It was a wonderful way to meet other open minded people in a city where I knew no one. We would get together in bier gartens to talk about life, play drums, and drink the delicious beer. I also used this quite a bit when I was traveling in Europe to meet people for coffee and get tips on the local scene. The best way to travel is when you meet people who live in the city you are visiting. I love finding the gems that no one knows about---completely off the beaten path restaurants are always something I am in search of.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I used Couchsurfing as my only means of travel for the 9 months I lived in Germany. I currently live in downtown Norfolk (when I am not traveling) and I am walking distance from historic Ghent as well as downtown.

Interests

The sun is my prozac, so I love being outdoors: running, biking, hiking swimming, camping, ect.

I just finished my first half marathon this past March and I am completely addicted to running long distances!

I truly enjoy cooking and try to cook new healthy meals every night. More than cooking though I lovvvvve eating. My favorite thing to do when I go somewhere new is to try the local cuisine and often time I just want to travel someplace to eat legitimate food from that land. Whenever I tell people I want to go to Italy they always ask, "Where? Rome, Venice, Milan ect..." My answer is always, "It doesn't matter I just want to eat real Italian food"! If I couch surf with you please recommend some good local cuisine in your area!

• dining
• italian food
• cooking
• beer
• coffee
• marathon
• running
• walking
• drinking
• traveling
• socializing
• drums
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• swimming

Music, Movies, and Books

The Zahir, 1984, Fahrenheit 451, Of Human Bondage, Wild Swans

The Princess Bride, Fried Green Tomatoes, V for Vendetta

My music taste is always changing, evolving. I love electronic and trance music, but any type of live music- especially when it is outside can make me happy.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In Sumatra, Indonesia I went to a little place called Bukit Lawang where I was able to live two full days with wild orangutans in their natural habitat.

Teach, Learn, Share

If I am staying in a place for a while or hosting someone I would love to give and receive cooking lessons. I am a mehendi artist and will adorn peoples body with henna if they would like it.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, China, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Philippines, Tanzania, Thailand, United Kingdom, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Germany, United States

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