I am a former worker in the child and youth voluntary sector managing and previously managed international educational organisation. I grew up in the UK but I've lived in many countries across Europe. Politics and non-formal education are a big part of my life - I'm a proud socialist and feminist. I travel a lot for work and for fun - and especially enjoy finding our the locals' favourite places. I am a huge music fan and love going out to see live music and going to music festivals. In my spare time, I like visiting the theatre and I dance a little bit for fun. I like being in the outdoors and I regularly run and cycle. Always up for new adventures and experiences!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I used to travel a lot for my work and I enjoyed hosting people so my place isn't just staying empty and it's a good opportunity to meet interesting people from across the world. I also like to meet locals on my travels so I can find new discoveries off the beaten path.

Interests

• music festivals
• education
• running
• politics
• reading
• music
• cycling
• travelling
• ballet
• dance
• theatre
• outdoors

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I'm into quite an eclectic mix. My artists are The Smiths and David Bowie (I even have a Bowie tattoo). I like 2000s indie like The Strokes, Bloc Party and Franz Ferdinand. I'm into my electronic, indie electronic and alternative artists like London Grammar, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the XX. Also can't go wrong with a bit of goo pop like Robyn, Florence + the Machine and Blondie.

Movies: My all time favourite film has to be Dirty Dancing. I like musicals, dance related films and cheesy films like Pitch Perfect (but not stereotypical romcoms). I like art house cinema and films in different languages - my favourite ones being Goodbye Lenin, Amélie, Paris Je T'aime and Y Tu Mamá También. I also like British films like An Education, Made in Dagenham, Pride, Billy Elliot and The Full Monty. Also I love an old film - think A Brief Encounter, Casablanca and anything with Doris Day. The Breakfast Club and Forrest Gump need to be on this list too.

Books: I devour books. When it comes to non-fiction I especially enjoy books on politics, history and feminism. My favourite non-fiction book is Shock Doctrine (Naomi Klein). I read an array of fiction and I'm currently quite into dystopian fiction - Marge Piercey, Margaret Atwood and Michel Houellebecq. I'm a big fan of Scottish crime especially Ian Rankin and Val McDermid. I read a lot and any recommendations are always welcome!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I once met the Queen of England at Buckingham Palace (even though I am critical of the monarchy).

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach/share: English, political discussions, inclusive educational methodology, trivia.
I would like to learn: Spanish, massage.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm friendly, chatty and look forward to getting to know new people!

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Palestine, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Viet Nam, Western Sahara

Countries I’ve Lived In

Austria, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom