CURRENT MISSION

To make new friends from all over the world

ABOUT ME

I'm a little quirky but pretty comfortable in my quirkiness! I'm a member of SPICE, (www.spicebham.com)I do Handbell ringing, and I adore setting and participating in quizzes and Treasure hunts. I've done a bit of singing and playing cello in my time. Love classical music and the arts. Often take myself off to see concerts and gigs. One thing I would love to do, preferably BEFORE getting to retirement age, is to give up work in order to travel round England, visiting pubs and setting treasure hunts in quintessential English villages, with the ultimate goal of writing a book about my adventures.

PHILOSOPHY

Always look for the good in people, but seek friendships with those who share your enthusiasms and values.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

After setting up my CS profile many years ago, I finally started to actively participate at the start of last year (2022). I have now hosted 3 people, 2 of them more than once! It is a great way of learning about the lifestyles and cultures of others. At the moment I am only hosting, but I do intend to surf at some point in the not-too-distant future!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCES
My experiences so far have been great! I am discovering a lot about myself as well as others, including that I can be pretty resourceful and adaptable! I've had some hilarious conversations but also some deep and meaningful ones !

Interests

I've played handbells for just over 15 years and have just taken over as secretary for my group. I've also recently taken up the ukulele and play in a local strumming group. I love setting quizzes and treasure hunts and have compered a few quizzes at my last workplace and locally in my town. If I could combine my passions with my work It would be amazing!

• arts
• writing
• books
• singing
• concerts
• cooking
• partying
• pub crawls
• traveling
• music
• classical music

Music, Movies, and Books

Books - Spike Milligan ones; Harry Potter (ie, JK Rowling) ones; Tony Hawks ones and anything about eccentrics/people who've done unusual/daft things Dave Gorman and Danny Wallace (With Friends like these; Join Me; The Yes man)- 'Three Men in a Float' and 'To Hull and Back' -all about holidaying in 'unsung' Britain . As you can see, deep and meaningful stuff!! lol. Movies - Harry potter; rom-coms; british movies such as Full Monty, Billy Elliott etc. Music - classical, and lots of other genres provided it's tuneful and not manufactured!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I stood on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square in 2009.. And it has to be one of the best things I've ever done! I raised over £1,000 for charity, made some new friends and got much more than my Andy Warhol '15 minutes' out of it!

Teach, Learn, Share

Well... I'm a HUGE marmite lover and will probably try and convince you of its many benefits as well as wonderful taste, if you don't currently appreciate it! lol.. I was an Academic librarian for over 20 years and now work as a library assistant in my local public library in Halesowen. I can definitely help you plan trips and carry out research for you, as well as show you around my town. I struggle with cooking and welcome any help in the kitchen!!

What I Can Share with Hosts

A friendly, chilled time. A lovely garden to sit and relax in. A good local town for shopping, close to transport for getting into Birmingham City centre. Interesting conversation over a beer or glass of wine.

Countries I’ve Visited

France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

England