Hey there! My name is Grace, but I mainly go by Birdy when I travel- a nickname I was given at a German kids adventure camp I was working at in 2018. Birdy because it's a variation on my last name and it matches my free spirit... cue "I'm Like a Bird" by Nelly Furtado, please.

Any-hoo (birds jokes are also endless, i.e. nickname perk) I’m currently traveling while on a leave of absence from university. I just extended it to January 2020 so we will see where I end up between now and then. I was studying chemistry and environmental studies but when I return I’ll likely pursue fine arts as it’s always been my passion. I've always adored school, education, learning, so I am excited to finish my degree eventually, but for me, taking time off was right and I am *loving* my life as of now. Since I left school last January, I've worked as a barista, children theatre production, camp counselor in Germany, artist... I've been to 6 new countries, 17 new cities, and met incredible people along the way. I'm passionate about powerful human connection, cultural enrichment (knowledge is power, always), and just sharing. Sharing experiences, wisdom, skills, music-

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

So, many of you may be looking at my host references- only a few. I know this can be problematic when making the decision to host me so I'd like to explain. I'm new to the Couchsurfing community, even though I've been interested in joining for years since I heard the concept. I finally joined when I was last in Europe, but ended up not needing any hosts because I stayed with friends I had met through working at the summer camp. A month and a half, without one hostel and traveling four counties! It was amazing. So even though I didn't 'Couchsurf', I still couchsurfed quite a bit. I will ask some of them to post references.

Until then, know that I am easy going, sociable, and above all, respectful. Super neat and will always leave a place cleaner than when I found it (leave no trace mentality.) I joined Couchsurfing, not for the free bed or a place to crash in between flights, but to have the opportunity to meet more humans with similar values (I think there's a common element between all people who like cultural exchanges) and of course, to see a new place for what it really is, and through the eyes of someone who sees it best- locals.

I cannot wait to be a part of this community for life and to start my adventures with all of you. Rest assured that when I am a more settled, adulting person with a stable location, I very much look forward to paying it back and hosting.

Interests

• poetry
• sketching
• traveling
• animal care
• painting
• music
• hiking
• walking around
• philosphy
• sustainable living
• cooking and baking
• zero waste
• hiking,
• movies & books

Music, Movies, and Books

My all-time favorite book: To Kill A Mockingbird- it’s a cliche for a reason (and recently, I've fallen in love with Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl)
Favorite movie: Good Will Hunting, The Producers, Spirited Away
Favorite Music: Couldn't possibly answer this because of my eclectic taste but recently, I've been loving Jon Bellion, The Beatles, and James Blake (lots of B's, Birdy ok)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Took a leave of absence from university without plans and embraced the unknown, no looking back.

Teach, Learn, Share

Can teach about American culture, my hometown Philadelphia, baking (I've been perfecting my biscotti recipe!), knitting, crafting, English, environmental health... you name it, I can try and teach it! I speak rough German and Portugese (and Spanish mas o menos) and could also give survival crash courses in those languages!

As for learning, I just learning about any thing and everything. And especially about people- I love to chat about world and religious/spiritual/lack thereof views, and of course to hear life stories/experiences.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A cooked meal, stories of my recent summer as a traveling camp counselor in Germany, English lessons, favorite music jam sessions, zero waste lifestyle tips

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Brazil, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United States