I'm an American who has just moved back to the states after living and teaching English for two years in Spain. At the moment I am staying with my parents and can't host!

I love meeting and conversing with new people; I am curious about different perspectives. I value kindness and having an open mind above all else. I'm almost always up for dancing and drinks but enjoy quiet evenings in just as much - it's all about balance. Living abroad has taught me quite a bit, one thing being not to feel embarrassed outside of my comfort zone, so I am always ready to try new things!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I finally made a couchsurfing profile after tagging along with a friend couchsurfing in a few countries in Europe, I've realized couchsurfing is an amazing opportunity to make friends and discover new cities. To date, every couchsurfing experience I've had has been a good one. When traveling to unknown cities, couchsurfing is definitely the way to get the most out of your stay. Some of my most memorable travel experiences have come from staying with locals through couchsurfing. I honestly think there's something magic in the kindness of strangers and it's only left me feeling positive.

Interests

More than anything, I love being outside - biking, hiking, relaxing by the ocean, walking through the woods. I love music, listening to music and jamming with friends (I play the drums). I collect records. I enjoy taking pictures. I've recently started learning to rock climb. When I can't get outside I enjoy reading, drawing, painting and knitting. I've got a passion for travel, language and cultural exchange. Though I'm not the best, I also really like to cook. I practice yoga and I am very interested in mindfulness and meditation.

• arts
• poetry
• dancing
• cooking
• yoga
• meditation
• walking
• drinking
• reading
• traveling
• knitting
• painting
• drawing
• magic
• music
• drums
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• teaching
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Some of my favorite music genres are soul, motown, rap, hip-hop, classic rock, alternative rock, folk and bluegrass. Some of my favorite artists of all time include: Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, The Talking Heads, Nirvana, The Pixies, Bikini Kill, Modest Mouse, Neutral Milk Hotel, The Fugees, Kendrick Lamar, MIA, Missy Elliot, Beyoncé. My favorite artists at the moment are Alabama Shakes, Valerie June, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Sleater Kinney and Ibeyi. I've also been listening to more jazz and bossa nova having recently come across Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto.

It's hard to pick a favorite book but I'd have to say Alice Walker's 'The Color Purple' is up there. One of my favorite books I've read this year is The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Woa by Junot Díaz. I love literature but like to mix in essays, poetry, memoirs. Two of my favorite poets are Sylvia Plath and Federico García Lorca. I've never been much into sci-fi but am currently reading a collection of short stories by Octavia Butler.

I mostly watch Star Wars, Wes Anderson films and bad horror films. I have to admit I am not big on movies so you'll have to give me some suggestions!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I had the chance to go camping on las Islas Cíes and wake up to the sun rising over Praia de Rodas, which was named the best beach in the world by 'The Guardian.'

What I Can Share with Hosts

Living abroad as an English teacher the first thing that comes to mind is conversation, but I'm happy to share songs, games, poems, art, and maybe most importantly, meals prepared with love.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Spain, United States