Well, I’m not a very interesting sort of person, I’m afraid. Thus far in my life I’ve primarily been working and reading and (these past few years) studying English Literature and Philosophy. It’s been grand and I’m so grateful for the experiences I’ve had, but so far—although I’ve road-tripped around my part of the world quite a bit—I’ve never had the chance to travel outside of the states at all. Since I’m studying in England for my final semester of undergraduate work this coming autumn I’ve got this marvelous opportunity to extend my trip and see some of the places I’ve only ever read and dreamt about. I’m overwhelmed with gladness and also just plain overwhelmed, because I have no idea what I’m doing, heh.

I'm from a large family so I'm used to cacophony and laughter and being flexible. I'm fond of rambly conversation and playing games of all sorts, and I'm especially pleased when the two activities come together. Used bookstores are my haven and I can easily spend the afternoon in one if allowed. I walk in the rain when I'm in need of perspective, and I think it'd be swell to live on a 30-foot schooner at some point in my life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I initially joined because I was looking into ways of keeping my upcoming journey as budget-friendly as possible, but the more I’ve read and talked with others the more I’ve come to appreciate the unique charm behind the idea. I study literature in part because I feel that the stories we tell and the experiences we share make up some of the most meaningful moments of a life. So, if I’m able to travel, instead of simply running about trying to see as much as possible in the time I’ve allotted, I’d like to meander some, if I can, and meet people, and talk, and come to know a bit, if possible, of the experiences and hopes and places of others.

All of that to say: this is my first time attempting couchsurfing! I know I’m late to the party and I apologize for my lack of experience, but I'm quite eager and ready to learn, if that's alright.

Interests

I have a vast and nonsensical assortment of interests, practically none of which I've pursued diligently enough to reach any great level of mastery. Case in point: I've wished I could be a sailor since childhood, and I've thus far sailed once in my life (but my gosh, it was glorious). I make what I hope is a valiant attempt at swing dancing, but I fear it is most often to no avail. I am a potter, of sorts, and I glory in the feel of clay spinning between my fingers, but the perfect bowl I've had in my mind’s eye has eluded me these four years at least. Really, though, I'm interested in most things, and I especially like to hear people speak about what they find worthwhile, since it gives me the opportunity to discover the good in that which I may not have previously understood.

Music, Movies, and Books

I tend to judge goodness primarily by whether or not something can bring me to tears. So, for movies: Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? Good. The Iron Giant? Very good. The Lord of the Rings? Very, very good. I also love Robin Hood—the Disney animation—The Princess Bride—of course—Gladiator, and Porco Rosso—the Ghibli film.

As far as music goes, I'm miserably unlearned, so I tend to listen time and again to the same few artists who've spoken to my soul in a particular kind of way: Derek Webb, Andrew Peterson, Aradhna, Jon Foreman, and such. I appreciate anything that is honest and heartfelt and sort-of whimsical. I am trying to become better educated in this area so any recommendations would be much appreciated!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF5K2UH5uQE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvytewIxll0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2UI25sayXk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rZ8w1QSlXY

My two favorite books have for years upon years been Peter Pan and Crime and Punishment (although after having finally read the Brothers Karamazov last summer I've been feeling as though it will in time become my favorite Dostoevsky).

Other beloved books/stories include Silence (by Shusaku Endo), The Prydain Chronicles, War and Peace, A Severe Mercy, the poetry of Wendell Berry, The Horse and His Boy, The Idiot, The Homeward Bounders, The Republic, Fullmetal Alchemist, Gaudy Night, Robin Hood, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Kristin Lavransdatter, and the Bible.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I sailed out on a sailboat one October night with some dear friends underneath the stars and felt like I knew who I was and where I belonged.

Aditionally, I'm not sure you could quite call this "amazing" since it rather highlights my hopelessness over any skill I have in my possession (unless you would like to deem "perpetually landing one's self in unnecessarily sticky situations" a certain kind of skill, which perhaps it may be), but I crashed a motorcycle the first--and last, thus far--time I drove one, destroying a newly installed chain-link fence in the process, and getting praised to the skies for my previously unknown yet apparently natural talent (a gift, I suppose you might say) for crashing well. 'Twas all done in noble questing after the refreshment of Barq's illustrious root beer, you see, and...well...it's a bit of a long story.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm not quite sure what this section is for, but if it's asking what I personally can teach, I don't have much to offer as far as language skills go (well, we could attempt to muddle through some Spanish of the Intermediate Level II variety, I suppose!), but I can make some swell pumpkin-pecan muffins, and show you the (most very basic) ropes of swing dancing, if you'd like. And I could probably quote my favorite films from start to finish with you, if we happen to share any in common.:)

As for learning, I kind-of want to know everything, but my favorite things to do while road-tripping is to wander off the path and find somewhere captivating to be still for a space…so, I'd be very thankful for any suggestions as to how and where to best accomplish this feat whilst on my adventures!

Also! I'm from a large family of card/board/tabletop game enthusiasts, so if you'd like to teach me your favorites, I'd be very glad to share mine in return! (Dutch Blitz is a particular favorite of mine that many haven't played it seems, and I've typically got a deck on hand, so do let me know if you'd like to try it out!)

What I Can Share with Hosts

Well, I can cook and bake and clean and do housework or gardening, and it would be my pleasure to offer assistance in any of these areas. I'm also good with children (having a slew of younger siblings), and if you're one for handwritten letters, I'm always eager to begin new friendships in that way. Hm...'tis all a bit mundane, I suppose. But I'm quite grateful and glad, and appreciative of any patience extended towards my inexperience and ineptitude.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Scotland, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States