My name is Janine, I am a 30 year old journalist from Leeds. I have travelled extensively in the past, and hope to do so more often in the future.

Hobbies: cooking, creative writing (poetry, articles and plays), reading, art and sculpture, cycling, and hiking, I also love going to the cinema and watching films from around the world.

I love learning about new and different cultures and meeting people from all backgrounds and walks of life. For me, part of the beauty of life is experiencing a way of living, a way of being that is different from your own and embracing new concepts, and ideas.

I believe that sometimes we are so caught up in our own perceptions, that we fail to notice the magnificence of the world around us.

My mission is to visit as many different countries as I can, meet more people, contribute to society in any way whether it be through voluntary work or journalism and to fulfil my dreams and desires!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My main reason for joining the site is that after attending my local couchsurfing group and meeting all of the friendly and outgoing people there, I finally decided to give it a go!

It is an awesome concept - and a great way to meet new people, and hopefully find travel partners!

For me it is all about the learning about new cultures and sharing my own.

Also more than happy to host people and show anyone around Leeds, and nearby places when I am there

Interests

I am passionate about writing, hiking, dancing, going to the theatre and of course...travelling!

I'm also skilled in QiGong, Tai Chi, meditation, drumming and Taoism, and Shiatsu.

I also love cooking - mainly Jamaican and African dishes, although I'm also partial to the odd English roast!

I have a love of art - particularly sculpture, crafts and collage.

I have been to the following places:

Italy
Tibet
Jamaica
Nepal
Jordan
China
South Korea
Thailand
Burma
Cambodia
Saudi Arabia
Kuala Lumpur
Singapore
France
Turkey

• arts
• writing
• poetry
• beauty
• dancing
• cooking
• meditation
• crafts
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• cycling
• hiking
• journalism

Music, Movies, and Books

My favourite music genre has to be old school Reggae, and Calypso, though I also have a weakness for soul music and blues.

Country, and classical are not too far behind either. I listen to almost anything - except heavy metal!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've climbed up Mount Washington (Which I'm led to believe is the highest mountain in north-east America). Why is it amazing? Well I have a very huge fear of heights!

Teach, Learn, Share

I am able to offer free English tuition to hosts, Caribbean cooking lessons, and also host in return!

In fact, this is what I love most about couchsurfing - the cultural exchange, and meeting great new people!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am happy to show anyone around and offer a place to stay for the night for couchsurfers.

At the moment this could only be on a pre-arranged weekend however, due to my working hours but do get in touch and ask!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, China, France, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, Scotland, South Korea, Thailand, United States