I am an oddball. I can admit that. I don't take myself seriously. And I strongly believe that your chosen family can be the best.

I was born in Montreal, Quebec, and moved to Ontario as a child. I was a lost soul who didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up. So I didn't exactly finish high school. I've made some very poor romantic relationship decisions and ended up bankrupt with the debt all being his.

I have done almost every job you can imagine. Waitress, Real Estate, Landscaping, snow plough driver, delivered the Globe and Mail at night, anything for some cash. You name it, I've done it...... Ok. I didn't do "that"! I have some pride.

At 35, I decided it was time to do something with my life, so I went back to school. In 2000, I graduated. It was the proudest moment of my life to finally have accomplished something so significant.

What followed was a solid 18 years of hard work to try to catch up financially. I worked every hour I could, including weekends, vacations, and holidays.

I decided I needed to see more of the world. I sold everything, left my job, put my two cats and dog into the RV and started driving south.

Long story short I have driven from Whitehorse, YT to Panama and now live comfortably in the 500-year-old Spanish Colonial city of Granada, Nicaragua. I live in the historic centre with 4 cats and 4 dogs. The incredibly low cost of living here allows me to live comfortably. I have been here for more than 5 years and still love it.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I would LOVE to share my this amazing city and the incredibly warm and friendly Nicaraguan people. This is truly a learning experience that will open your horizons and your heart.

Nicaragua is the safest country in all of Central America. I feel as safe as walking back home in Canada. I can walk around at night without fear or worry. I love this country!!

I have 2 extra bedrooms ready to share.

Interests

• food
• exploring
• spices
• real estate
• exploring nature
• scubadiving
• movies.
• touring
• food lover
• all animals
• helping street dogs and cats

Music, Movies, and Books

I love almost all music. Anything from Rock and Rock to ABBA. I really love the GOOD quality animated movies. I no longer have time to read which is sad. I know it isn't music or books, but I love food. Living in Nicaragua I miss the spice. I miss the variety. Chinese, Korean, Oh MAN I miss curry!!!!!!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I walked up the Acatenango Volcano, yes I was sure I was going to die. But there was no way in hell I was going to drive from Canada to not walk up this volcano. I did regret that decision about halfway up.

From the top, you can watch Volcán de Fuego erupt and that was probably the best part. When you finally pick yourself up off the ground when the gasping and wheezing stops.

I don't know why they think it is cool to roast marshmallows in the lava vents....aren't those fumes toxic? Anyway, another thing I actually accomplished.

I am also an avid scuba diver. I have been diving both coasts from Mexico down to Panama

Teach, Learn, Share

I would love to teach people that when you think about it, 99.9999% of the world's population are just ordinary good people living their lives. Sometimes fear of the strange can be overcome. And everything be it good or bad is a learning experience.

I love hearing and comparing experiences with other travellers. You can never ever stop learning, and listening. and sharing.

Enjoy life, you only have one shot.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share a cautionary tale of the life experience of a 60-year-old lady. I would love to share all my experiences as a first-time traveller crossing 9 borders multiple times, spending the maximum amount of time in each exploring with an RV, cats and dogs while knowing almost no Spanish. It was and still is an ongoing experience of a lifetime.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama