I'm 27 years old, from the US and got my first taste of traveling at 18. In 2015, I decided that I wanted to continue seeing the world and experiencing new things, so I sold all my things and bought a one-way plane ticket to New Zealand.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I enjoy meeting people from all over the world and learning about them - their stories, and everything that has shaped their world up until that point. I value authenticity and a great laugh. I am traveling but I don't want to be the tourist; My intention is to cultivate more personal experiences by staying with couchsurfing hosts. In exchange for accommodation, I am more than happy to help tidy, lend a hand in cooking meals, have interesting conversations, share my silly sense of humor, and I'm always up for being an accomplice on spontaneous (budget friendly :D) adventures.

I think something that I value most about traveling is that "A-ha" feeling you get from interacting with people from everywhere and realizing that, despite all of the nationalism, bad news and terrible political propoganda portrayed across mass media streams, it really doesn't matter where people are from....we all have so much more in common and generally want the same things out of life. People generally want to help each other, want peace, want to find more things that bring us together instead of find things that turn us against each other. That aspect of travelling, to me, is beautiful.

Another important thing to note is that I love dogs, and since I have been traveling, have missed having a steady dose of dog time in my life. If any hosts/surfers have dogs, I will definitely be playing with it(them).

Interests

• animals
• dogs
• reptiles
• amphibians
• culture
• photography
• cooking
• chocolate
• baking
• fitness
• yoga
• boating
• traveling
• painting
• music
• live music
• outdoor activities
• fishing
• hiking
• camping
• road trips
• adventure
• laughing
• rollerblading
• aromatherapy

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm into almost all types of music (except country or heavy metal/screamo...not so much a fan of those). Movies - mostly comedies, with some dramas, sports films. Some examples of my favorites include Joe Dirt, Old School, 40 Year Old Virgin, Remember the Titans... just like having a laugh really. I also love documentaries and stand up comedy. I'm a little weird when it comes to books; don't really like the traditional fantasy/mystery/romance novels etc....I like books that expose the raw struggles and comical misadventures of real people, and travel memoirs.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I guess I would have to say venturing off into the world alone. A lot of people tell me they could never do that...but I think most people underestimate themselves.

Teach, Learn, Share

If you are learning Spanish, I can help teach you some things (although I will admit I'm a little rusty). Also if you are a fluent Spanish speaker, you should force me to speak in Spanish to you.

I am in the process of seeing and learning more about the world, but at the moment I can tell you about places to check out in Spain, Italy, the greater Melbourne area and Far North Queensland region in Australia, and both islands of New Zealand. If you are going to the US, I can tell you about Michigan, Oregon, Hawaii, Southern California, Northwest Florida and the greater Chicago area. I mostly enjoy learning about the places everyone else has been to!

I love exchanging favorite memes, music, stories and recipes.

Also trying to teach myself guitar, but lately have been putting in a rather poor effort. I would love to learn tips from any of you who are avid guitarists.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Lots of stories, smiles, laughs, good vibes, and a good set of listening ears.

If you're lucky, I'll share my chocolate with you.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, New Zealand, Spain, United States