CURRENT MISSION

running away from real life

ABOUT ME

Until last year, I was a very settled primary school teacher, living in Sheffield with a mortgage and other boring grown-up things. Then I gave all of that up and ran away to Canada for a year's break, which has now become at least another two years of travel and general adventure! So far it's been the best decision I have ever made, as I realise that there is just SO much out there to see before I settle back down again. And my aim is to see, experience and live as much of it as I can!

I am an open-minded person, willing to try new things and listen to new ideas (but not always agreeing with them!). I love my friends and family, and would do anything for them.

PHILOSOPHY

Be as happy as you can possibly be as much of the time as you possibly can!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have surfed, hosted and been to a few Couchsurfing events in Sheffield. I use CS message boards to arrange things socially in new places and to find ride shares.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Couchsurfing has changed my life! I joined a few years ago when I travelled in Canada and the US on a short trip. I really enjoyed surfing at other people's places, and the fun and new friends it brought me.

Through hosting, I have met lovely interesting people, and indeed made a lifelong friend who inspired me to move to Canada last year. I would love to host much more, perhaps when I return from travelling.

Interests

I love all types of music, film and books. I'm very interested in people and the world around me and love to find out about different cultures and travel to different places. I have recently taken up crochet and am pretty decent at it (my successes include a Yoda hat and various Doctor Who toys for friends!).

• books
• cooking
• running
• traveling
• crochet
• music
• surfing
• skydiving
• teaching
• medicine
• carpooling

Music, Movies, and Books

I am extremely passionate about music, and love going to gigs and festivals. I will give most things a listen (and a dance), but some of my favourites at the moment are Arctic Monkeys, Phoenix, Foals, Amanda Palmer, Two Door Cinema Club and I'll always have a soft spot for Idlewild.

My newest favourite movie is Seven Psychopaths, which I thought was absolutely fantastic! I like movies but don't like it when people over-analyse them. If it's shiny and entertains me I'm all for it!

I actually love to read travel books, to get inspiration of where to go and enable me to plan my trips. If I fancy a bit of escapism, my favourite author is Neil Gaiman, but I'll take any recommendations and give them a try.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The most amazing thing I've ever done is skydiving over Durban, South Africa, at almost sunset - the views were amazing and the feeling is comparable to nothing else!

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach anyone how to crochet (and have done on numerous occasions). It's really fun once you try it, and I usually have the kit on me so we can have a go! I will provide woollen items in return for your couches!

I would love to learn to cook better. I can knock up some comforting family favourites, but would relish the opportunity to learn some local dishes on my travels.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lesotho, Macedonia, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, South Africa, United Kingdom

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