*PLEASE READ MY PROFILE IN FULL BEFORE YOU REQUEST TO STAY WITH ME*

In sum, I'm an amateur philosopher and femme scholar. I've completed two Philosophy degrees (B.A. & M.A.) and am just starting an M.A. in Women's & Gender Studies.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

"The earth is but one country and [humankind] its citizens".

I wholeheartedly believe this statement, and I love that traveling allows me to meet and learn from the world's many beautiful, diverse people and cultures.

Interests

I'm a reader and a semi-frequent writer, as well as a lover of cooking/baking, boxing, bike riding, coloring and being crafty, and I have a lot of experience hosting parties and gatherings.

Feel free to check out my instagram (loads of coffee shots here!): https://www.instagram.com/rissathinks/

• vegan
• baha'ism
• boxing
• religion
• feminism
• environmentalism
• lgbtqia+

Music, Movies, and Books

I like memoirs, some poetry, and most fiction (save historical, romance, and sci-fi). I can also be found reading religious texts/holy books.

I'm mostly about indie flicks/foreign films but can jive with some mainstream movies. Current obsessions: Wadjda, Lipstick Under My Burkha, Pariah. I've also got a sweet spot for musicals, especially those featuring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

I'm usually pretty open to all sorts of music, although typically I choose songs/albums that are more upbeat. Latest tunes: Princess Nokia, Skip Marley, Raja Kumari, Kendrick Lamar, The Internet/Syd, Beyoncé, Chance the Rapper, and Dolly Parton.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

(1) I've spent two summers in India learning about the Jain religion

(2) I've volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Trinidad and Tobago

(3) I spent a month solo-backpacking through Scandinavia & Europe

(4) I once hiked a steep mountain to visit a Hindu temple, and while inside the temple, a monkey stole one of my shoes!

(5) I camped in a boat in Amsterdam

Teach, Learn, Share

I am always up for learning new recipes (vegan and non-vegan!). I'd also love to learn Hindi, as well as American Sign Language.

At some point in my life, I'd like to skydive (at least once!) and ride in a hot air balloon. I'd also really love to go cave diving. If you've done any of these things, I'd love to hear about your experience!

Currently, I am a philosophy and religion professor, an English tutor, and I help highschool/college students with university entrance exam test prep. So, I can share any information falling within these very broad fields.

Mostly, I'm excellent at asking questions, so at the very least, I can offer you good conversation :) Additionally, I can share my knowledge and understanding of veganism (as well as recipes!). I'm also great at making drinks, and am always prepared to offer a cup of coffee/tea or a glass of wine.

Lastly, I participate in a fair amount of activist work. So, assuming that you've read this far, please (1) see the 'additional information ' section under my home and (2) in your request to stay at my home, please confirm that you understand and accept what is written there. Due to a particular incident in the past, I am currently not accepting individuals who find issues with these statements.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Denmark, England, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago

Countries I’ve Lived In

Sweden, United States