CURRENT MISSION

Experiencing the good things life has to offer, one small step at a time.

ABOUT ME

My name is Carmen - I chose it when I was 14 in German class and decided to keep it. When I graduated high school in Missoula, Montana, I moved to Germany to study the language and culture as an au-pair. I have always loved to travel, learn about new cultures, and meet new people. After returning to Missoula for a few years, I began schooling in Portland, Oregon. I now live with my boyfriend Kief (also from Missoula, who I have been with for over 5 years now) in SE Portland and work as a server at "Foster Burger."

PHILOSOPHY

Dirt and chemical reactions - to be classified as "agnostic" or "?" I wouldn't really call my philosophy personal but communal - the good neighbor policy, if you will. We are all connected and depend on each other, so I try to treat people as I would want to be treated, and otherwise try to enjoy every moment as much as possible.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Last summer I participated as a couch surfer while on vacation in Europe. This summer I can not travel due to funding, but am still craving experiences with international travelers. Now that I have my own house, I want to pay the CS project forward in providing safe, comfortable, and mutual foreign exchange opportunities!!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Last summer I was taken in by a wonderful host from Nice, France. He was very helpful in showing us the city, knowledgeable in its history, and generous enough to open his home to us for the night.

Interests

Nine months of the year I am a full-time student of music (cello, education) and international development studies, particularly in Latin America. When I am not in school, I love to travel and be outdoors: camping, hiking, swimming, rafting, biking, and some sports including disc-golf. I love to play and hear music, dance, yoga, sing, read, learn languages (at the moment espanol), and participate in other art forms. I love to garden, cook, bbq, and mix drinks for myself and others. I love to enjoy the company of people, plants, and animals. I love learning, teaching, and adventures.

• animals
• arts
• culture
• singing
• dancing
• education
• cooking
• bbq
• baking
• yoga
• drinking
• gardening
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• sports
• swimming
• golf
• teaching
• history
• languages
• au-pair

Music, Movies, and Books

Music then books then movies...but nothing specific to genre or title because it tends to change daily.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Experiencing a traditional hamam (bathing house) while in Turkey a few years back.

Teach, Learn, Share

making the best oatmeal raisin cookies: whatever the recipe, soak the raisins in the eggs (and vanilla if called for) for a few hours before baking to soften the raisins (and become every ones new best friend). enjoy!

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