CURRENT MISSION

I hope to meet as many lovely people as possible and make the world a little bit more socially-minded. I'm currently writing spoken word, a short story and have ideas for a couple of plays. I'm devoting the coming year to really developing my creative writing.

ABOUT ME

I'm open-minded and explorative. I have a sense of fun, I get on really well with people from all over the world and I love learning from anyone with different backgrounds and experiences. I'm creative - I like trying new things, discussing new ideas and expressing myself in new ways. For a few years I've been involved in writing and performing poetry in the UK, and I finally feel like I'm finding my creative direction when it comes to writing. I've written some songs for vocals and guitar, and love to take part in musical events. I am beginning to build up a network of friends around the world, and I hope to facilitate their global travel.

PHILOSOPHY

I believe that all people are innately similar to one another in more ways than they acknowledge. I believe in finding commonality between individuals and groups and helping relationships to develop in that way. I'm also very respectful of difference. Although I'll hold my own in a philosophical debate, our differences are important and I see no need to make other people more like me. As alienating as the modern world can seem, it's pockets of humanity like this one that express for me the real reason that we're on this earth.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

When I was living in Italy I was a regular at the multilingual cafe, where couachsurfers practise their language skills. I've had a bit of time off from the community since I've been back in England because I've been a full-time carer to my gran, but now I'd like to start surfing and meeting folks again.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Very little so far. I've surfed once, and I've never hosted. I've been to sseveral meetups and events, but I'd really like to get more involved in the travel side of things.

Interests

I'm really into philosophy and challenging myself to get to know myself better. I read a lot, I also really love seeing live music and theatre, I love spontaneous street entertainment and festivals. I love camping and wandering through the countryside with friends, enjoying the sun, picnics, forests etc. I like painting, but I'm not very good at it yet, and I also write and perform poetry. I'm interested in seeking out those little connections you make with strangers that give you faith in the human race.

• writing
• literature
• poetry
• performing arts
• festivals
• dancing
• cooking
• baking
• yoga
• meditation
• raves
• traveling
• knitting
• painting
• music
• live music
• guitar
• spoken word
• camping
• surfing

Music, Movies, and Books

I love music and books, and films I am only recently discovering and interest in (so please recommend interesting/strange ones!). I love 'alternative music', and am always on the look out for new music to fall for. My favourite musicians at this time include Animal Collective, Beirut, Jon Gomm, Neutral Milk Hotel, The Postal Service, Scott Matthews and Why?, but these are just what I could come up with right now on the spot. Books - I'm really interested in Carl Rogers and Michel Houllebecq, but I read all sorts. Favourite film at the moment is Coherence.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I think I've been awestruck at a few of the flashmobs I've been involved in. I just love it when people come together in sillyness and with a common cause. I particularly enjoyed the pirates vs. ninjas dance-off on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral in London. Made some lasting friends then. Similarly with the tube raves on the London Underground. I'm also often awestruck by people's talents. I love witnessing really talented people do their thing, especially musically. I've had many amazing times whilst travelling too - often seeing a sunrise in a beautiful climate makes me questions why I don't spend my whole life on the move.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm a native English-speaker, studying for a degree in English language and literature. I would be delighted to help people learn some of the language or improve on the skills they all ready have. I'm also beginning to speak Italian, so anybody willing to have a chat with me in Italian will be helping me to improve. I'm a first-aider, also I'm trained to listen to and support people in mental distress who need someone to talk to. Next year I intend to spruce up my sewing and knitting skills, so I'll be able to share those too. And I very much enjoy cooking and baking. I practice Sahaja Yoga meditation, so anyone interested in talking about or trying that is very welcome to my knowledge and skills.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Good conversation, stories and anecdotes from a life spent seeking out interesting experiences. Some of my creative work -- songs, spoken word etc. Some cooking skills too.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, France, Germany, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Italy