CURRENT MISSION

Live, love, learn

ABOUT ME

I'm an Aussie ranga (red-haired) who is usually, quite accidentally, the object of peoples' laughter... I grew up in Mackay, Queensland, where I also went to uni and did my first year as instrumental music teacher for a group of local schools. I have played in a variety of bands/groups including folk line-ups and pop bands. I get along with practically anyone and enjoy a diverse group of friends. I am currently living in central Sweden near Falun.

PHILOSOPHY

I never really know what my philosophy is... some people just borrow from others. But I truly believe we are here for a reason, and that there is always beauty to be seen, heard, felt and made.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I heard about couchsurfing from a friend and thought, "yeah, I reckon I'd do that" so there I was in Europe to do some surfing! I feel it's important for all of us to think better of each other... One of my biggest lessons is learning that there is no need for judgment.
visited 19 states (8.44%)Create your own visited map of The World or Free iphone travel guide

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I remember I was driving from Mackay to Cairns in Australia and had stopped at a Motel/park for the night. The owners thought I was someone really famous, of which I said I was not, but that I played violin. They asked me to play for them and their guests over dinner, at which point they gave me a free meal and bed for the night! Was a good trade don't you think?

Interests

I'm a bit of a folk-music nut! I majored in classical violin at uni, and have really gotten into the folk/alternative music scene since I graduated. I recorded a folk album for my duo, Bellsmith (we're on facebook #BellSmithband), which features orginals and some celtic favourites. I really get a kick out of listening to folk music from other cultures and trying to learn some of what I hear.

Music, Movies, and Books

I have the slightly nerdy ability to recite any line from the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.... yeah, get a life, right?
I listen to almost anything, but really appreciate folk, alternative, world and soundtrack music.
My favourite alternative artists are the Weepies, and Lior
Most inspirational film soundtrack would probably be 'The Mission'
Favourite folk artists: Dougie Maclean, Nancy Kerr & James Fagan, and Sofia Karlsson.
Favourite musicals: Wicked and Chess

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Amazing thing I've done: when I was skiing in New Zealand, I got stuck in a blizzard on my last day on the slopes, but I had unfortunately decided to ski the advanced slope before the blizzard set in....couldn't see my hands in front of my face, and snow stinging your face... well, that was an experience.
Amazing thing I've seen: The Northern Lights! I was staying in central Sweden when a friend came in and said, "There's something strange about the sky tonight." So we went out to check it out, and saw a very small part of the northern lights! It was a faint green glow! But hey, it was enough for me!

Teach, Learn, Share

I really want to learn a second language as I've always found langauges a bit of a challenge.
I think I could best share knowledge about classical music styles and history.
I speak a little Swedish, and can understand a little Turkish (just don't expect me to speak it! ha)

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love to cook! And a jam session is always on the cards... Did someone say cards!?!?!?!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Sweden, Turkey

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