I'm a 22-year-old recent college graduate living in beautiful Seattle, Washington. After four years pursing a career in journalism, I'm excited to take the summer off to travel, write, explore, and have fun! I have no idea what my postgrad life has in store for me, but I know I want to throw myself into the world, meet lots of new people, and have a blast.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

For the time being, I'm on Couchsurfing to find hosts for my upcoming trip to Europe. Not only will this help me to keep my expenses down, I'll also be able to have more of a culturally immersive experience, which is a top priority for me. I don't want to stick to the usual touristy activities or confine myself to a hotel room—I'm interested in hearing my hosts' recommendations and perspectives on their home city to make my experience richer. I'd love to hang out with my hosts and their friends, though I'll probably want some time to myself as well. Because I'm traveling alone, I would feel more comfortable with a woman host. After I return from Europe I'm planning on moving into a new apartment with my boyfriend, at which point I'd be happy to open up my home as a host.
Right now I'm hoping to find hosts in the following cities for the following tentative dates:
Amsterdam: July 5–8 (3 nights)
Brussels: July 8-9 (1 night)
Paris: July 9–12 (3 nights)
Bordeaux: July 12–14 (2 nights)
Toulouse: August 4–6 (2 nights)
Marseille: August 6–9 (3 nights)
Barcelona: August 9–13 (4 nights)
For the most part, these dates are flexible. I'll be using a Eurail pass.

Interests

My foremost passion in life is food, and when I travel, it's always at the top of my priority list—whether I'm going to the market and making my own meals, enjoying some late-night drunk street food, or eating at an actual brick-and-mortar restaurant. One of the only things I like more than eating food is writing about it, and I'm pretty sure that if I could create some kind of living out of these two passions, I'd be happy. When I'm not making food or making words, I love to spend time outdoors exploring, whether in the city or in nature. I also enjoy knitting, so you'll pretty much always see me carting around a sweater or whatever it is I'm working on. As for my more recent pursuits, I've been teaching myself French and the mandolin lately, and also am trying to brush up on my swing dancing skills.

• writing
• dancing
• swing dancing
• dining
• cooking
• drinking
• traveling
• knitting
• outdoor activities
• rock climbing
• journalism
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Andrew Bird, Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, other miscellaneous dad music. |
Movies and TV: House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, basically any '90s romantic comedy with Meg Ryan in it. |
Authors: Annie Proulx, Margaret Atwood, Anne Lamott, MFK Fisher, Joan Didion, any and all sad Russians.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hard to top the six-week romp through Germany, Italy, and France I took two years ago. I was a newbie traveler at the time and I don't know if I ever want to be that broke while traveling again, but it was a life-changing experience. From climbing all the steps to the top of the Berliner Dom and seeing the entire city laid out before us, to racing to catch a departing train, to pocketing two baguettes from the French hostel every morning because we were nearly out of money, to sleeping under the stars in Florence and on a beach in Monterosso al Mare, it was a pretty invigorating trip.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share good, respectful company first and foremost. I love getting to know new people, enjoying adventures and good food and drink together. I'm also a great cook (or so I'm told!) and really enjoy cooking for others, so if you're looking for a great meal that's something I can provide. I also have been a knitter for about 15 years, and could teach anyone who wanted to learn. I can help people with conversational English, and I also would be happy to teach you a couple of swing dance moves!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States