CURRENT MISSION

Learrning to live in the moment.

ABOUT ME

Hmmm I hate describing myself - you will just have to meet me or read my references!

PHILOSOPHY

In my more positive moments I see life as an adventure and kind of believe in fate or serendipity - faith that things will work out although perhaps not the way you planned, and that everything has a purpose. Although sometimes I wonder if we're actually all wandering around in a video game and the gods are laughing at us! Who knows? I like to attend Quaker meetings because there's no dogma as such but a philosophy that we all have the light within (somewhere) and I like the silence and the words of wisdom that are sometimes spoken. I find the simplicity of the down-to-earth spirituality of 'Friends' to be really refreshing, although Brighton being Brighton the meetings can be 'interesting' at times.I believe in the importance of community and openness and seeking to understand those from other cultures and backgrounds because there's not enough of that going on in the world. I also reckon it's important not just to look out for yourself but to share what you have with others. So, I think the CS idea is really great because that's really what it is about.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I participate by meeting up with couchsurfers visiting Brighton and Hove, hosting when I can and by attending and sometimes arranging CS meetings in Brighton and walks/outings around Sussex.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've met lots of couch surfers in Turkey, Greece, Egypt, India, Nepal, France, UK and Ireland through couch surfing and CS meetings, and have hosted quite a few people in Brighton. Mostly my experiences have been good, but it can be a learning curve at times - as is always the case when dealing with human beings! My best experiences have been where the host has been able to show me a side of life which would not have been possible without CS. For example in India I was invited to attend a Hindu wedding in a small village - far from the tourist track - which was an amazing privilege. I have also made some great friends - and met my husband(!) through couchsurfing so it has been pretty life transforming!

Interests

Cooking (and eating!), playing guitar, badminton, swimming, country walks, photography, art, social action, learning about history, psychology, cultures, religious beliefs etc., travel and couchsurfing (obviously!). With two little ones I don't get that much 'free time' though, so most of my more creative interests are on the backburner...

• arts
• photography
• social action
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• beer
• working out
• traveling
• volunteer work
• guitar
• swimming
• badminton
• history
• languages
• psychology

Music, Movies, and Books

I like funky music - but nothing compares, nothing compares to Prince..

I like to read books and watch films which are about some kind of personal struggle but where there is a positive message in it too, e.g. 'The Kite Runner'... Some of my favourite books I've read recently are 'A Thousand Splendid Suns', 'Wild Swans', 'The Painted Veil', 'Eat, pray, love', 'The Bastard of Istanbul', 'Last train to Istanbul' (I like to read about the places I travel to lol). I also like Margaret Atwood books - her dystopian images of the future are freaky but incredibly insightful and thought provoking. However, these days I mostly spend my time watching 'Peppa Pig' and reading my little ones 'The Gruffalo' or Mr Men books, so don't get much chance for anything else!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Not one but two! Bringing two beautiful babies into the world - it may seem like a cliche, but everything else honestly seems insignificant in comparison!

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm interested in languages and I have often been able to help people with their English and learn a few words in their language. I particulary enjoyed learning some Chinese when I was there. I also would like to learn to cook different types of food. I love food and enjoy cooking - although (as with languages) I have a brain like a sieve (no pun intended) and tend to forget everything!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories, time, food (happy to cook a meal), beer, wine (or whatever's your tipple!)...

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Gambia, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Nepal, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Turkey, United Kingdom

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