Recently completed my MSc in Genealogy and currently working full-time in Glasgow.

I'm an adventurous traveller who refuses to live in fear of the world. I'm drawn to underrated countries as I like to form my own opinions beyond stereotypes. I prefer to have a raw and unfiltered view of a country that's not influenced by assumptions. Some of my best travel experiences have been in the most unlikely of places, where I've also met the most generous people.

Very interested in the political and historical aspects of the places I visit, and I'm a great lover of architecture and photography (especially at sunset!) 📸🌅🕌

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To share meaningful experiences with people who are as equally spontaneous and aware of the unlimited possibilities in the world!

I like meeting locals as this always gives you a more nuanced view of a country's culture and customs. They can also teach you a lot of things about yourself and how you view the world.

Interests

I'm a professional genealogist (or self-proclaimed detective) and love nothing more than solving a person's family history. I've seen the joy and emotion this can bring to people and families, so has become one of my biggest passions. Very likely to be found trawling through archives and unearthing big scandals!

Reading is how I unwind and de-stress, and I'm especially drawn to classics, thrillers and Scottish literature. Even on my travels I'll always find the time to sit in a park and read, whether it's in Tajikistan or Croatia. I'm always intrigued by the literary figures of the countries I visit, because it's an intimate way to access culture 📚 📖

I spend time doing independent research before I travel (i.e. blogs, political/historical articles, news stories) so I can be well-informed about the places I visit. It also means I can discuss current affairs with people, who can also correct me if I'm wrong (nobody is perfect, after all!).

I find food is a shared passion so is one of the best ways to get a taste of local culture, so I'm always open to recommendations on what to try wherever I go. I'm a committed beer drinker too, so if there's craft beer I am always going to try it 🍻

• running
• reading
• music
• genealogy
• travelling
• foodie

Music, Movies, and Books

Music - anything pop punk, rock or metal related (Paramore, PATD, Dance Gavin Dance, Green Day)

Books - my favourite authors are Lewis Grassic Gibbon, Nan Shepherd, Virginia Woolf and the Brontë sisters

Movies - I like historical documentaries, psychological thrillers and comedies

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I travelled through Syria and had the opportunity to learn about the country's rich heritage, listen to the stories of people who lived through the war, and get totally immersed in the souks of Damascus and Aleppo.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can teach you how to speak Scots and Doric 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, England, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United States, Uzbekistan, Vatican City State, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Scotland