CURRENT MISSION

To experience the people and culture of the places I visit.

ABOUT ME

I'm a Kiwi that's just set off on her big OE. I'm currently working as an aupair, looking after a 6 month old boy. He's lovely and so are his family. I'm in the UK for the next 10 months and I want to explore as much of it as I can.

I'm a big movie and music person. I'm from New Zealand, so obviously Lord of the Rings and Crowded House feature in my ever-growing list of favourite films, books and bands.

I'm vegetarian and a big animal lover. I try to be very environmentally conscious. I walk and take public transport everywhere and try to avoid flying as much as possible.

I've been obsessed with Japan since I was a child. I studied Japanese for 7 years and although I'm a bit rusty now, I'm looking forward to using what I've learnt when I'm over there next year.

I can be a bit shy around new people, but once you get to know me I'm a very open, caring person.

PHILOSOPHY

I'm a big believer in treating others as you wish to be treated. As a survivor of bullying, I don't want to cause anyone the pain I've felt. I want to help make the world a better place for my children and grandchildren. I haven't quite worked out how I'm going to do that yet.

"Be the change you want to see in the world" and "one raindrop can raise an ocean" are two of my biggest inspirations.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I'm a newbie at the couchsurfing thing. My host family recommended it as a great way of meeting people and experiencing the places you visit. They've hosted and surfed and have had no bad experiences. I'm not sure how big a network there is in New Zealand, but it is something I'd look at doing when I get home and set up again.

So far the only hosting I have done has been for friends. Looking forward to hosting a couple of them in a few weeks.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've yet to go surfing, but I've heard good things about it.

Interests

Movies, music, books. I'm very into all three and I have a huge collection in New Zealand. I love animals. I miss my dog and cats very much. I draw when I'm in the mood, but generally not too well. I play violin, clarinet and a little bit of guitar. I really want to improve my skills in the latter.

I'm a bit of a nerd really, but I'm proud of it.

• animals
• cats
• dogs
• culture
• books
• vegetarian
• flying
• movies
• socializing
• drawing
• music
• guitar
• violin
• surfing

Music, Movies, and Books

If I listed them all you'd get bored and stop reading, but some of my favourites: LOTR (book and movie versions), Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Crowded House, Queen, The Beatles, Glee, Maximum the Hormone. I'm currently addicted to watching Friends. I have a pretty eclectic taste in movies, music and books. I love historical fiction and fantasy as well as rock, pop.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've been part of two amazing groups of young people that are dedicated to making the world a better place for future generations. I'm proud of what we achieved in our time together and what has been achieved since we met.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you some parts of kiwi culture. I know how to make a poi and use one. My memory of primary school is getting pretty hazy, but I can also teach you some very basic Maori greetings etc.

I play violin and while I doubt I could teach anything useful, it might be fun to try.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

New Zealand, United Kingdom