CURRENT MISSION Getting to grips with retirement and all it offers. ABOUT ME I moved to New Zealand in 2009 and settled in North Canterbury for a while before moving down to Otago . It's very beautiful there and I love the open spaces and the beautiful river and coastline. I am a writer and a musician and like to meet new people and have interesting conversations. I do a bit of work for an online course developer and occasionally for a local Community Foundation. PHILOSOPHY It's the journey that counts. The poem Desiderata kind of sums up how I see life and the values I try to live by.
Fluent in English
Learning French
Pioneer Badge
Why I'm on Couchsurfing
HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING I have hosted many times and sometimes surfers become good friends, which is great. COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE I have hosted more than surfed and have met some lovely people since I joined. I like people who have interesting perspectives on life and it's fascinating learning about them, a real mind opener. It's also good when guests cook and I learn new recipes. Sometimes surfers have shared music too, which is very special. All of my experiences have been positive so far - I'm a fan of the whole concept.
Music, Movies, and Books
I read less than I used to but do like audiobooks as I can listen while I'm doing other things. I find as I get older, my tastes have changed and I look for kindness in what I engage with. I do still love LOTR however, and Stephen Fry reading Sherlock Holmes or PG Wodehouse is my go-to at bedtime!
One Amazing Thing I've Done
Played the drums with the Paramount Chief's drummers at his palace in Obo, Ghana.
Teach, Learn, Share
I'm always interested in learning new things. Skills I can share would include guitar, singing, wool craft, sewing, writing.....
What I Can Share With Hosts
Music, conversation, cooking.
My Interests
I write plays, songs and short stories and I have also written a book about the families of the Kaitangata Mining disaster of 1879. I have been involved in local theatre for a few years now in Clutha, onstage and off. I also knit and sew and usually have a project on the go. I've just moved to Tapanui so am spending time creating a garden and getting to know the community. Politically, I lean left, believing that we must work together for the good of all. I think we have a responsibility to others and to the planet. I am a humanist but also believe we are more than just the sum of our parts.
