Hello!

As cordial human beings, I do ask that you use my first name in your greeting. It's that simple, nothing hidden, just a courtesy!
The requests that I receive that are personal, I go out of my way to accommodate. That you took the time to get to know me makes me want to take the time to get to know you.

I am only hosting people who are fully vaccinated/booster against Covid. If you are an anti-vaxxer, please find someone else to host you.

Please don't request a stay too far in the future as I cannot accept it.

My name is Helene and I have been a flight attendant since 1990, flying most often to Venice, Rome and Paris. I have 2 kids in college but are home during the summer.

Originally I am from NY but Chicago chose me when I started flying all of those years ago and I love this city except for the winter and the pizza! NY pizza is still the best!
There is a lot to explore in this city that you won't find in any books. I was a river cruise docent with the Chicago Architecture Foundation for 15 years, giving tours of the beautiful skyscrapers along the Chicago River.
I love learning about different countries through the people who live there. And eventually I will travel the globe extensively but as a mom, I've learned to find the beautiful balance between parenting and exploring.
There is a great sense of adventure in my blood which is why I wanted to be a flight attendant when I was 10 years old, and followed through with this dream.
And lucky! To be able to spend 1 to 2 days a week in a different country, generally going to 2 of my favorite cities, Paris, Venice and Rome is a dream come true! Trying often to pretend to be a local, and meeting some of my greatest friends I have met through CS are the highlights of my trips.
I'd like to think that I have good judgment of character and don't have time for negative people.

My home and property is 100% smoke-free.

I might need some extra time to give you an answer on whether or not I can host you.

If you are coming to Chicago for a concert or music festival and/or just "looking for a place to crash," or a free hostel, please look elsewhere. This is my home where I invite guests who leave as friends.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My Couchsurfing experiences have been nothing but amazing. Because I go to Paris often, I reached out to a few other CS and have become really great friends with them. We have hosted many people and everyone has been interesting. I like having a home open to people because it's an opportunity for us to learn about you and for you to learn about us. My husband initially thought that I was a bit crazy, and maybe I am, but he has also enjoyed couchsurfing and meeting new people. It has seriously changed my life, for the better.
If you're looking for a place to crash, or to leave your stuff, and/or to just take a shower, etc., please look elsewhere. This is an opportunity for us to make new friends and connections.

Interests

As a flight attendant, I spend a lot of time in different countries. As much as I like to see and meet new people, I always appreciate coming home. I like to find out how things work. As I've gotten older, I've realized that you can learn something from anybody.
I have taken a break from yoga but am looking forward to starting again. I also love bike riding, walking and riding my 2005 orange and white Triumph Bonneville around the city.
And foreign movies, of course.

• pets
• cats
• books
• architecture
• concerts
• festivals
• cooking
• yoga
• walking
• flying
• movies
• traveling
• juggling
• music
• cycling
• history
• tours

Music, Movies, and Books

Any Wes Anderson or Jim Jamrusch movies and most of Tarantino's. Kill Bill (more vol 1 than 2) is one of my favorites which makes no sense because I hate violence but Tarantino takes it to an art form. The Foo Fighters, The Kinks and The Rolling Stones.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I spent over 2 weeks on 4 different continents in less than 6 months.

Sorry, here is a second: I rode my bicycle to the town hall of all 20 arrondissements in Paris in one afternoon, 65km/41miles!

I rode my bicycle 118 miles in one day, in Chicago.

Teach, Learn, Share

Our home is also available to you, if you would like to visit us in Chicago. I am a lousy cook but have found a zen in washing dishes! I speak English, French, Italian and some Spanish. I laugh at myself before I laugh at anyone else.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I speak English, Italian, French and a little Spanish. You don't want me to cook for you but I can be your assistant in prep and clean up, if you tell me what you need to be done. As a 15 year docent with the Chicago Architecture Foundation I can tell you something about most of the important buildings downtown, the history of Chicago and why the river was crucial to the city. I can give you tips on traveling and other useful time saving tips that I've learned.
As someone who lives out of a suitcase full time, I can make myself a very non-intrusive guest.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Bhutan, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Russian Federation, Scotland, Sint Maarten (Dutch part), Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Virgin Islands, British, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, United States

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