I know what you're thinking, 'Another non verified member', oh boy. Rest assure, I'm not 'that bad'. Or so I hope! Give me a read please ~ Any questions and just ask!

I'm Emily! Turning 20 this year and was on a 'gap year' two years ago, which has basically turned into "How many things can I learn, share, and maybe risk while traveling to Thailand on and off".

Since I graduated, I've been working and traveling. I love theater and techinical theater and try to spend time (when I have it) working on musicals and plays, otherwise it's spent doodling in a sketch book in free time. I've traveled to Dubai, England, Iceland, and spent half a year in 2016 in Thailand training in Shaolin Kung Fu. As of Janury 2017, I've returned to Thailand and have joined the Instructor team where I teach and train Southern shaolin Kung Fu. My current plan ranges from all sides of travel, training, teaching, work, maybe a TEFL certificate, and to continue meeting new people (and hoping I'm helping others in the process)!

I'm into anything risky and adventurous, but can also be the laziest being ever (in the fact of having no energy, that is. I have migraines which tend to fatigue me greatly), so I'm always willing to sit with a few cups to tea and hour long chats (or silence. Whatever you're feeling up to). Lots of my time is spent this way if I'm not physically/mentally up to moving.

With that, If you decide to host me, please don't be offended or afraid to ask if I'm alright if I become quiet or seem down. I promise it has nothing to do with you. Some days I physically and mentally cannot push myself too far because of work, travel stress, or my migraines. I will always be 100% honest with you. I find hiding these small things (especially as someone with a resting sad/angry face sometimes, LOL) can create bad feelings which is no where near of intention!

I'm not a very religious person, but I am very open minded to different views, as I'm not very sure of what I believe. I have looked at Christianity and Catholic and have found it's not exactly my way. Currently looking at Paganism, but not trying very hard at the moment as I'm focused on Kung Fu. My Morals and philosophy have been based of this Chinese Martial art for quite some time now so I've been looking more into Bhuddism as a new try.

If youre curious about my training, feel free to look up Nam Yang Kung Fu mountain Retreat in Pai, Thailand. (We are currently updating our website) you can also find me on Facebook by searching Em McCarten, or checking out my Linkdn. i try to update it often: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emccarten15

Why I'm on CS: I'm here to meet and make new friends. Share experiences and make new ones. Discover culture and my self and others. This is a social, cultural platform for me, NOT A DATING SITE.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My current plan is to be in London for the end of July while I see some Family. i would then like to go to Liverpool to see and make some new friends ontop of seeing a bit of family as I plan to be around till March 2018. This will only be for part of august as of September I have a forsure home to be at. Othet than seeing my family, I dont like to sit around waiting for the next new thing to happen. I'm hoping couch surf brings me some new friendships and adventures.

I'd love to meet and make friends while I'm traveling England as I, for one, love meeting new people, but as well learning about the culture and gaining some new experiences ontop of what I know already. I really love sharing experiences and tips, so finding a few to sit with a cup of tea and chat will be great!

Ontop of meeting people, sharing and making new experiences, one thing I find myself lacking on (due to American education) is education itself. It is part the reason I decided to take a gap year when I graduated and have not returned due to be captured by the world and that learning experience. I physically could not sit in a class room but I'll spend hours researching and learning on my own, but with that I lost a lot of basics. I want to know more about the world as history and science are not my topic. I may not know much but learning history of the place im in and the place you're from will be extremely fascinating to me and I cannot wait to see what comes further.

Interests

I enjoy traveling. My main priority at the moment rests in Shaolin Kung fu, where I current train 8-10 hours a day while teaching and assisting a few classes.

On off time, I spend in town with friends and a drink, or enjoying a mountain view or quiet view with a cup of tea and some music. Sitting and reading, or just enjoying a cup of tea with some music is my key. Animals and nature (anything active!!) Is amazing. I'd really like to try hiking and camping more.

Im willing to take risks and see what happens next (with good judgement at least) I love to cook even though I may not be very good at it, and am willing to try anything. Especially cooking with others!

• theater
• music festivals
• cooking
• traveling
• music
• live music
• martial arts
• art
• adventures
• shaolin kung fu

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Alterntive and Indie rock, LoFi, classical tend to be my go-to. I will listen to anything between classical to Metal though, although I am not the biggest fan of country, but I do enjoy it.

Books: I find I dont take enough time out of my day to read, but the fact sits in my mind that if we read ten pages of a book a day for a full year, we'd get through maybe 18-25 books a year that were about 200 pages long. As I'm not a big reader, I've been diving into phsycology, horror, and classics, (especially self development) jumping my way through different authors but cant seem to find many that suit me best. If you have any recommendation, please do tell me! Anything that blows your mind is great and ideal.

Movies: I absolutely Love horror movies but can be a wimp to actually watching them. Its always my go to when someone asks me if I want to watch a movie. If someone is willing to do so with me, you're perfect. X.
I love comedies and actions, but give me a good documentary and I'll sit for hours after researching more.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've been told that just getting out and traveling while being young is something amazing that I've done. A lot of people don't expect me to be my age either, as they've told me I'm rather mature. I guess getting up and doing something I love, which has been my training, is moreso amazing to me. I've had points before where I've given up and decided that I can't do it, but traveling and taking up an artform has really changed my own life.

I think one of the best things I've done is make a fulltime commitment of teaching and training. I've grown up giving up on different martial arts and this is something I've kept with.

I've driven from Pai, Thailand to the border of Laos (Nong Khai) on a 125cc suzuki hayate FI that broke down about 7 times. (Dont rent from aya unless you have to) about 1000 miles.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have a large knowledge of Chi/Qi, self defense, Chinese Martial arts that I can share with you! Other than that life, I like sharing music, time, and general convo. I'd love to share travel experiences with someone and maybe have a good workout buddy to keep my training up till I return to my school in 2018!

I'd love to learn more of phsycology, a language (any!), art, photography (or having a fun time literaly capturing experienes for people), cooking, being more active.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'd say my sense of adventure is definitely something I would love to share. I can't stand sitting about and love to interact and see what's around. One thing I love about my training is that it has taught me to be patient and to sit for a moment and relax, which is something I love to help with people. I am very into the mind, body, and spirit as being one.

With someone showing me around, I'd try to encourage the other to take a rosk with me. I'd love to try new things with someone. Sometimes the craziest and best memories come from a stranger who will then become a friend. Other than that, maybe some experiments with cooking, music, and art. :)

Countries I’ve Visited

England, Iceland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates

Countries I’ve Lived In

Thailand, United States