I am embarking on a trip in 2018 to travel around the world to document the effects of climate change on coral reefs and their interdependent human communities. I will travel to 12-17 reefs around the world and to share via blog, podcast, and feature articles online with the goal of raising awareness to the very immediate challenges that local communities are facing.

I am known for confidence, optimism, generosity and laughter. I smile often. I enjoy having conversations about history, ecology, archeology, geology - you name it - I love to learn through debate with and listening to people from all backgrounds. I also love to experience life first hand: if you have always wanted to try something but didn't want to do it alone, ask me and I'll likely say yes. I am always looking for fun adventures and like to try things that scare me.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Its an amazing way to meet fellow generous, kind hearted, open minded people who live in the places I am visiting. I love meeting new people and am curious to learn about other cultures.

This trip was inspired by my love for coral reefs and I really want to spread the word in every means possible to share what is happening in these places above and below the surface. If you share my passion for protecting coral reefs and restoring damaged ones, I look forward to collaborating with you.

I am secretly also hoping that some divers, snorkelers and spearfisherfolk will be willing to take me out to visit their favorite local spots! I promise not to tell.

Interests

• writing
• photography
• swing dancing
• environment
• cooking
• yoga
• live music
• world music
• backpacking
• camping
• scuba diving
• snorkeling
• archeology
• volunteering
• historic sites
• beaches
• rivers
• spearfishing
• bicycle touring
• world history
• coral
• public radio
• hot springs
• sustainable living
• sustainable agriculture

Music, Movies, and Books

Books:
Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Persig
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins
Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey
The Alchemist by Paul Coelho
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
Red Mars, Green Mars, Blue Mars Series by Kim Stanley Robinson
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I did enough environmental advocacy work on an important subject that a chapter of a nonfiction book was written with me as the main character.

I solo bike toured the big island of Hawaii with snorkel gear fort daily water adventures.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Botswana, Cambodia, Czech Republic, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, Philippines, Russian Federation, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey