I am an adventurer and aspiring marine scientist, currently involved in a master's program in marine conservation throughout the EU. Since graduating from university in 2015, I have traveled all over the US, the rest of North America, and Europe. I absolutely love the outdoors - I grew up in the woods of upstate New York, went to college at the beautiful beach city of San Diego, California, and spent several winters living near ski resorts; so, whether it be green trees, blue waters, snowy mountains, or even rocky deserts, I will be outside having an amazing time. I also love physical activity; I have played sports my entire life, and now focus on surfing, hiking, skateboarding, snowboarding, climbing, and playing frisbee and soccer. I am also very outgoing and charismatic, love to laugh with, learn from, and share experiences with people of all backgrounds and cultures. I'm super excited to travel to beautiful places, meet new people everywhere I go, and do things I may have have never imagined. I also love trying different foods, especially local specalties, and learning about different cultures. I'm very easy to get along with, and willing to try anything you may propose, so if you'd like to host me, I think we'd have a lot of fun!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I first joined CS to be able to save money on travels, for I care much more about exploring a new area than having a bed to sleep in. After having surfed a few times, I learned it is so much more than a cheaper way to travel - it's a great way to meet new people, learn about different cultures and lifestyles, make long-lasting friendships, and get the inside scoop on a city or town! I believe it is an immersive, cultural, and educational experience, that is way better than just staying in hostels and blindly walking around unknown towns. A big reason I am traveling is to experience other cultures firsthand, and this is the best way to do that!

Interests

I really love physical activity - surfing, skating, snowboarding, hiking, climbing, playing soccer (football), scuba diving, and much more - and playing games with friends. I also love exploring - discovering hidden places, going deep into the forest or the desert, and seeing and doing things I never have before. I also yearn for mental exploration and discovery, which I think comes hand in hand with physical exploration. I love nature and biology, especially regarding the ocean and marine life. I am also a socialite, so I love being surrounded by people, meeting new people and having true conversations. I love learning about different cultures, different foods, and other people's ways of life. AND CATS!!!

• animals
• cats
• wine
• cheese
• nightlife
• socializing
• music
• hiking
• surfing
• snowboarding
• beaches
• mountains
• ocean
• exploring
• marine biology
• meeting new people
• trying local food
• snorkeling and diving
• learning local cultures

Music, Movies, and Books

Music - Slightly Stoopid, Pink Floyd, Kid Cudi, Queen, Linkin Park, Mac Miller, Trampled By Turtles, Blue Sky Black Death, Random Rab, Phish, Classical music, and so much more!
Movies - The Graduate, Lord of the Rings, Borat, Inception, Interstellar, Superbad, and, I know it's not a movie, but Game of Thrones! (except for season 8 of course)
Books - Dystopic fantasy books like Shades of Gray (NOT 50 shades of Gray) by Jasper FForde and the MaddAddam trilogy by Margaret Atwood. Also sci-fi and fantasy series such as The Expanse, Lord of the Rings, and a Song of Ice and Fire, as well as books about surfing and diving. I read a lot of Science Magazine as well.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

So many it's hard to choose!

I recently jumped off the Luis I Bridge into the Douro River in Porto, Portugal.

I've also driven across the North American continent 8 times, including from New York to Alaska and back, and once from California to NY by myself. So many great experiences in the most random unheard-of parts of the US.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach/Share: info on traveling the very-underrated western US, stories from all over the North American continent, how we came to elect such a terrible president.
Learn: Other cultures and histories, how to cook different foods, exploring Europe, Asia, New Zealand, and many other places, and so much more

What I Can Share with Hosts

Lots of knowledge! I know much about ecology, geology, conservation/sustainability, biology, and especially marine life and oceanic processes. I'm also very interested in politics - mostly US, there's always so much going on here it's hard to focus attention on other parts of the world but I try my best - and love discussing political/philosophical/ethical issues. We could have some really great conversations! I have also traveled all over the US (been to 38 states) and North America, as well as several other countries, so I have many experiences and adventures to share. I am very personable and easy-going, and great at going with the flow. So if you want to show me something/somewhere cool, have me try a weird fruit, or even go get you groceries, I'll do it! Or if you're busy and we don't get to talk much, that's okay too. I am very independent.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Chile, Costa Rica, France, Italy, Nicaragua, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United States