Absolutely, there are no coincidences in life. Each experience, every person we meet, teaches us valuable lessons. We all have something to learn and something to teach.

"A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal."

About me, I'm an Australian and UK citizen currently living and working in the beautiful Blue Mountains of Australia, 100km west of Sydney.

I have lived, worked and travelled in London, Basel, Paris, and Madrid over the past 10 years, meeting many people and sharing many couches. During my European adventures, some of my Couchsurfing friends generously opened their homes to me, sometimes for a few nights, sometimes for a few weeks, and even for a few months! They even shared their cars, allowing me to explore new places.

In the summer of 2017 (Northern hemisphere), I embarked on an incredible journey, walking 800km on the Camino Francais from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Santiago Compostela. Along the way, I had the pleasure of meeting some truly amazing people, and I know our friendships will endure.

With a 40-year career in the healthcare field as a diabetes specialist nurse and a non-practicing midwife, my true passion lies in photography. I not only love taking photos but also teaching the art of photography to my hosts and fellow travellers. Whether it's a planned session or a spontaneous moment, I find joy in sharing my skills.

Gardening is another of my interests, and I've had wonderful experiences assisting people with their gardening or home maintenance projects in exchange for a place to rest.

Live music is a constant source of joy for me, and many of my friends are talented musicians. I'm also an active soul who adores cycling. In 2014, I completed an 1800km ride from central France to Santiago, and in 2015, I cycled EuroVelo 6 from Basel, Switzerland to Tours, France.

Walking and talking to get to know people and their towns or cities is a favourite pastime. I'm naturally inquisitive and always eager to discover what's behind the next door or over the next wall.

As a true Piscean, I'm imaginative, sensitive, compassionate, kind, selfless, unworldly, intuitive, and sympathetic. According to the Chinese horoscope, I'm a Boar, and my Myers-Briggs personality type is ENFP. I firmly believe in the power of helping others in even the smallest ways.

I'm an extrovert, finding my energy in the company of others.

My philosophy is simple: there is only now, so let's make the most of each and every moment. You're never truly lost; you're just somewhere different. Seize the day.

I may not be perfect, but I'm constantly striving to be the best version of myself and to assist others as much as I can. Surrounding yourself with people who bring happiness, laughter, and support is the key to a fulfilling life.

I look forward to the opportunity of meeting you soon, sharing my story and passions, and eagerly learning about yours.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

At present I am unable to host, but aim to seat again asap.

I love the vision of Couchsurfing - "We envision a world where everyone can explore and create meaningful connections with the people and places we encounter. Building meaningful connections across cultures enables us to respond to diversity with curiosity, appreciation and respect. The appreciation of diversity spreads tolerance and creates a global community."

When I can I organise events in my hometown to share the wonders of my own area e.g hiking, photography expeditions, dinners.

I enjoy hosting and to be hosted: meeting like minded, interesting people to share time with.

I surf to share my experiences and learn about people like you - others who enjoy to share who they are.

I surf to meet local people and share local experiences.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE
The Couchsurfing Community has been a real experience of sharing.

When in France I have had nothing but an amazing connection with the French people. I have also had great experiences with those people surfing with me in my home in Australia.

In France: Baking bread with a local baker; dancing some folk dances; making a musical recording with a local musician; walking in the alps with locals; teaching photography; walking around Paris learning French language (poorly) and culture; BBQ with friends of my hosts. And much much much much more.

Give as much as you get and make it a sharing experience, not just a bed for the night.

Interests

Cycling: In the summer of 2014 I rode 1800km 2014 from Moulins France to Santiago Spain on the Chemin St Jaques Compstelle.

Teaching: what I know, we all have something to teach, we all have something to learn.

Photography: my number 1 passion. I like to teach if you are wanting to learn.

Art, music, people, bushwalking (hiking), playing board games ie Scrabble, backgammon, etc

• arts
• culture
• performing arts
• photography
• dancing
• bbq
• baking
• walking
• board games
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• live music
• cycling
• hiking
• surfing
• teaching
• nursing
• hitchhiking
• wine tourism
• performance art
• personal development
• bicycle touring
• seaside
• sharing economy
• campfire
• sharing stories
• performance

Music, Movies, and Books

I love most styles of music. I could not live without music. I know many musicians and consider myself 'Professional Audience" rather than musician.

Movies that enrich my knowledge about human beings. Movies that stir my emotions, make me cry and make me laugh. Recently - My Old Lady; Quills; The 100 Foot Journey;

Almost French; Celestine Prophecy; Shantaram; Maggie and Me; The Long Road to the Deep North;

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Just one... this is really hard.

I have had a very fortunate life with travel and life in general. The most amazing thing.....

During the months of August/September 2014 I cycled 1800km from central France to Santiago Compostela, Spain. Such an enlightening experience

During the months of August and September 2017 walking 800km of the same route I cycled: a different and rewarding experience.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you a little about art and a lot about photography: taking photos and Photoshop; learning how to see.

I can teach you English and maybe something else... who knows; we all know different things.

We all have something to teach; we all have something to learn.

Share: My belief is to share what I know; share whatI have. This is why I so love CouchSuring.

"This is the beginnings of the future CouchSurfing University, a school where everyone's a student and everyone's a teacher. Surfing isn't just about a place to sleep. It's about exchange. From esoteric knowledge to practical skills, you have special knowledge that others will benefit from knowing. Include one, or even a couple of items here that you might be able to share - and maybe something you want to learn! We hope that this will contribute to strengthening the quality of this wonderful community. Teach. Learn. Share. Let's do this."

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories about my adventures (like most of us here).

I can teach photography; teach english; travel tips; wisdom of age.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, France, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom