Hello! My name is Hannah Barnes, a 30 year old Sport Science College Teacher from England. I embarked on a travel trip in the Autumn of last year, having taught 18 - 20 year olds all things sport, anatomy and nutrition for 5 years. I recently returned home in the Summer of this year and have pined for New Zealand ever since. So...a visa has been bought, a medical has been processed and flights have been booked. I'm the kind of person who tries to see the world a little differently, possibly oversimplifying the more complex aspects of modern day culture. I wish to one day build my own eco-home, attempting to be as self-sufficient as possible and I'd like to learn more about agriculture, farming, wilderness skills and craftsmanship to help me along my way. I want to experience and learn about different cultures, implementing them into my own lifestyle as I traverse the beautiful landscape of New Zealand. I like snowboarding, cycling, training and being active; learning is a part of my daily life no matter what the topic; I take comfort in thought provoking books and new, unknown music; I doodle, design and make things in my spare time; camping in the wilderness with a fire feels peaceful; photography is my new favourite hobby; up-cycling and being outdoors make me happy; I like to laugh until my face aches; fruits make my face swell (allergy, I promise - nothing weird) and spices make my nose run. So, if you'd like to learn a little more about healthy lifestyles, would like a teacher for your little ones (or not so little ones), need a hand on your land or another keen crafter to help with a new project from a cheery, kind and thoughtful traveller, get in touch!! :) love, H.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I want to see the world how the locals see it.

Interests

The great outdoors
Extreme sports - snowboarding
Exploring
Road trips
Winter walks
Learning
Reading
Sport
Music
Food
Baileys :)
Talking all night long
Finding new local places the tourists don't know about

• culture
• dining
• exercise
• drinking
• pub crawls
• reading
• eating out
• socializing
• music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• surfing
• snowboarding
• sports
• extreme sports
• history
• mathematics
• science
• solo travel
• road trips

Music, Movies, and Books

I love my music - not particularly generic chart tracks, but acoustic bands, singer song writers or something you can shock out to with your mates :) I have lost count of how many times I have seen the prodigy and incubus is most likely my all time favourite band. I am new to Spotify (slow on the uptake I know), but have recently discovered six60 who are now on repeat.

Films don't really appeal to me that much and I'm not that into tv either - I can't sit still that long. But I do like the quirky foreign films like Amelie :)

I'm currently reading 'into the wild' but my all time fave has to be 'my family and other animals'.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

My proudest achievement in teaching to date is helping a student overcome their anxiety. They failed their first year of A-Levels because of a panic attack in the exam. He was probably the nicest student I have ever had the privilege of teaching. Through 2 years of hard work, we battled his issues together through a relationship of mutual trust and respect. He achieved an A* in his exam and is now currently studying the course and at the uni of his choice achieving some of the top grades in his cohort group!!

Teach, Learn, Share

If you need a hand with training, exercise, nutrition and hydration - I can help you out. I specialised in physiology at uni so I can help you out with a health kick.

Or probably someone for you to chuckle at when I say or do something daft :) late night philosophical chats, new bands and music, random facts and figures (and weird pub quiz information that I didn't know I knew).

I would love to learn a new language but my maths/science brain finds it difficult to comprehend more 'woolly' subjects.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Fun, laughter, random facts, hearty food, good music, a clean and tidy, slightly eccentric but fun loving and genuinely nice traveller.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

England