CURRENT MISSION

To explore life, and experience new cultures and people

ABOUT ME

I worked as Peace Corps volunteer in Chernivtsi Ukraine and fell in love with the country, the people, my home town, the climate, the beautiful architecture, and so much more. Plus, being in Europe it locates me in a region that i wanted to travel. So i use Chernivtsi as my home base, and traveling as much as possible. I am opening up an English School in the next couple of months. With Ukraine's "European integration" the demand for functional English speaking skills will only increase.

PHILOSOPHY

I raised (successfully I believe) 3 wonderful children who are now pursuing their academic, career and personal lives. I am now free to pursue my own objectives and decided to explore other cultures, people and ways of living/thinking. I believe I am open minded regarding other life styles, and not only accept and respect those from different cultures, but absolutely relish the diversity (viva la difference!).

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

In the past only as traveler, but now that I have more spacious accommodations, can be a host as well!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Spent some time in Arizona, England, and France, used couch surfing during those trips, and with each it was an excellent experience. The hosts were extraordinarily friendly and gracious.

I just started hosting here in Chernivtsi as i moved to a larger more accommodating apartment, and have hosted several guests. It's a great experience to be able to meet so many different people from various counties. Had dinner the other night with two of my couchsufers (Switzerland and Japan), who met a French guy while in transit, and also joined us, and of course myself as an American and a local Ukrainian girl! Fascinating discussions! :)

Interests

I love to read, exercise, bike riding, and as i begin to learn how to speak Ukrainian, language development has become an interest as well.

• architecture
• exercise
• traveling
• cycling
• surfing
• snowboarding
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

I am quite eclectic in my musical tastes: classical, rock, country, bluegrass, Ukrainian folk and pop, hip-hop, jazz, and any other type of music that expresses the beauty (and challenges) of life. I like to read non-fiction histories, recently focusing on the Balkans and Eastern Europe. But have also read many other fiction novels and of course, the perfect synthesis for me, the historical fiction (e.g. Leon Uris, Ken Follet, James Michenor). I also have a developing interest in Religion, its historical development and social functions, cross cultural comparisons fascinate me.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Living in an Orthodox Monastery for 6 days; snowboarding in the Alps for the first time at age 62 and breaking nary a bone!; joining the peace corps and being able to witness and support the Ukrainians fight for independence; having three wonderful children!

Teach, Learn, Share

I have much experience in the non-profit management and fund raising sectors, and with market research, and real estate.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, France, Italy, Moldova, Poland, Romania, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ukraine, United States