CURRENT MISSION

Learning all the languages!

ABOUT ME

An amazing history teacher in high school inspired me to become passionate about other cultures. In particular I was struck with a passion for Middle Eastern Studies; I still can't explain why, but there's probably a higher purpose, and at any rate it's set me off on quite an international adventure and made me who I am today!

I'm also a water and environmental engineer, now beginning my PhD in hydrology in France.

PHILOSOPHY

My intent in life is to learn how to bring people together from around the world, and to help others live in a better world.

My identity is starting to set in - I know a bit more about who I am and where I'm going... but all that can change in a heartbeat, and I never want to stop changing!

THING TO KNOW

I have celiac disease. Probably best not to feed me! I'm used to bringing my own rations.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I started surfing "locally," within an hour of my city, because there's literally a whole world you don't know about right on your back porch.

I also hosted several AMAZINGLY inspirational people, whom I will remember for the rest of my life.

And then I went to Syria and met the awesome CS crew there! I miss you guys!

For a while I was hosting last-minute people - the type who were willing to come out to Seattle's suburbs for the night :-) I'm so happy to have hosted every one!

I made a brief CS venture across to Canada - far too brief a time to spend with the awesome people I met!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Valentines day girls night w/Jenny & friends (2/09)
Adventures in Everett w/Lacey & the chicks (4/09)
Surfed, hosted, and searched for truth with Anna (4/09)
Swing dancing and Juliano's with Luke and Rafael (5/09)
Camping/chatting at Andrew and Gina's w/friends (5/09)
Chinatown and tea smoothies with Havivah (5/09)
Biking with the bravest biker Lo (6/09)
Welcomed tho sick as a dog by Fatima and fam (6/09)
Learned the good side of Syrian guys w/Mohammad (6/09)
Learned to deal with other Syrian guys w/Maria (6/09)
Renting a room from Ali (7/09)
Football and friendship with Hanan and fam (7/09)
Sharing CS stories with a random CS hosteler (8/09)
4D and sidewalk stories with Hosam (9/09)
3faf and her amazingly happy Sudanese family (10/09)
Moving in with Mary! (10/09)
Meeting Syria's amazing first CSer at a monastery (11/09)
Adventures and vegan fare with Alana and Dante (3/10)
Coffee, chats, Bruce Lee, and temples with Katie (3/10)
Fanni and Marina's first couch host (5/10)
Vegetarian & N. American bonding with Mary & Nicole (8/10)
Canada bike adventure (9/10)

*Layout idea borrowed from Lacey! Mix of CS and non-CS couch surfs.

Interests

Irish music and dance, languages, biking, environment, cultural anthropology, nature, long walks/hikes, exploring, learning, science, engineering

• dogs
• dancing
• swing dancing
• environment
• coffee
• vegetarian
• vegan
• yoga
• survival
• music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• surfing
• soccer
• anthropology
• teaching
• engineering
• history
• languages
• science
• hitchhiking
• last minute travel

Music, Movies, and Books

Irish trad, Xena, Clannad, enya, Flogging Molly, Lord of the Rings, Rhapsody, Mythbusters, Gaelic Storm, Kate Rusby, Jazz, Iron and Wine, Lady Gaga

FAIROUZ (in the morning), Reem Banna, Souad Massi, various Lebanese Underground types (thanks Momo and David for introducing me to this!).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have seen the starts at night, and said, "they are beautiful." Hitchhiking around Syria was pretty cool too.

Teach, Learn, Share

I know languages (kinda crazy about them), some yoga poses, how to make smoothies and tapioca pudding and gluten-free cookies, and traditional Irish social dance. I try to share tea with everyone I meet. Have chopsticks, will teach you to eat with them!

I love learning new languages, outdoor survival tips, new instruments, and random other skills.

Countries I’ve Visited

Egypt, Germany, Lebanon, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

India, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates

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