I live in and love NZ but every ten years or so leave for several months and go to different places around the world. I have two grown daughters and want to see a few more countries. I get a bit stuck in a rut and like to break free. I like to travel on my own or with a friend and like to get close to the local scene to understand local lives better. I attended the School of Philosophy where I studied Sanskrit, dancing, singing, Plato and tried to meditate but my mind is too busy for that. Currently an observer of OSHO and wondering why we have to put up with so much anti-woman sentiment in order to get what is otherwise good stuff. I enjoy walking, backgammon - fixing things and as it turns out spring cleaning my friends house when not in tourist mode.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I heard that couch surfing was the way to go in Berlin and I always find the lives of locals much more interesting than the tourist places. I asked my guide at the Taj Mahal about his life - and heard about his delight at his arranged marriage - his lack of understanding about birth control, and the subsequent happy news that while being only married four months he is to be a Dad. Peoples lives are so much more diverse and different from mine and it is not apparent until you meet them on their " home ground". Also, I found the little local treasures- n Sri Lanka -my neighbour's sister has a local Buddha statue that rivals any of the world heritage sites more widely publicised. Flash hotels also freak me out. I like the local routines - that explain to me how people live. ie in London why four miles is a long way and why their cars are so dirty (No hoses)

Interests

• dancing
• wine
• music
• kayaking
• backgammon

Music, Movies, and Books

I like lots of different kinds of music. "Theme from a Summer Place" to me is beautiful. I like the energy of NZ rock - Hello Sailor, Spit Endz. The sweetness of Bruno Mars. Adele for the power and tone of her voice plus her awesome sense of humour. I liked Joe Cocker, Johnny Cash, Andrea Botecelli and Elvis. Nivarna, sometime Guns and Roses, Mumford and Sons and if you took me to the opera I would probably like that too.
I get free books from the Avondale outdoor stall - and like reading biographies on women and men's lives. I enjoyed the first Harry Potter book, Plato. Currently reading OSHO

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Work-wise - Added training in twelve different languages so people could learn and pass tests.
Gave birth without painkillers, swearing or complaining - twice!! I wanted to give them a good start.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach - I am pretty good at recycling and repurposing items, and my friend thinks I am good at organizing.
Learn - Just observing the normal everyday life of someone and how their culture shapes their thinking and behaviour.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Share - Happy to clean, cook, garden and suchlike.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belgium, Fiji, France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, Viet Nam