CURRENT MISSION

Enjoy the present

ABOUT ME

If you asked my friends, they'd probably tell you that I fall asleep easily and often. I hope they'd also say that I am good at listening (when awake), amiable and open.

PHILOSOPHY

Still working on this, although I think trying to empathise with other people would fit in somewhere. And not taking things too seriously.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

In groups, I tend not to be the person that does all the talking, although I enjoy meeting new people, and don't consider myself shy. I like organizing activities (parties, dinners, community-based events) and think I work well with other people...

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Have only couch-surfed a couple of times. The first time I did it was in Spain. Weirdly, the person I stayed with knew my ex, even though my ex was French, and lived in China. In fact, that was quite a scary coincidence.

Interests

I like cooking, although I don't do as much as I would like. I like running. I like reading and travelling. Films too...

• books
• cooking
• running
• partying
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• cycling
• surfing

Music, Movies, and Books

These lists change all the time:

Movies: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle; Hairspray (the original, of course!); Elle; La Ley del Deseo; Oily Maniac

Books: Pretty much anything by Ursula Le Guin (but especially 'The Dispossessed'); The Portrait of a Lady; The Island of Doctor Moreau; Battle Cry of Freedom; Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont

Music: Mainly 80s stuff (Human League; The Cure etc.) but I am open to all kinds

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Things that have happened while travelling:

1. Most bewildered - waking up with my head in the lap of a strange Indian man while travelling between Mumbai and Pune. I had fallen asleep unexpectedly, and somehow managed to slump head-first into his lap. Meanwhile he had decided to use me as an impromptu arm-rest.
2. Most illegal - smuggling alcohol and leather goods between Romania and Turkey via a Romanian bus company that was using its passengers as mules. Everyone was allocated leather jackets, waistcoats and trousers at one point so as to "fool" customs officials. We looked like a Bon Jovi tribute act.

Teach, Learn, Share

I lived in China for nine years, in four very different places, and can speak Chinese. I worked for several years on HIV, which meant I had a lot of contact with sex-workers, injecting drug-users and gay men. This gave me a different perspective on how China works!

I also love books and films, and like sharing my interest with others. Like running and cycling, and would be happy to do this with friends.

I have spent about 6 months in France, and am still very fond of France. I enjoy speaking French too, and would be thrilled if I could get to know more French-speakers.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories about travelling, favourite books and films, company, time, laughter, food

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, France, United Kingdom