I am a U.S. "gringa" who has lived in Chile for about five years. I consider myself first and foremost an unpublished writer. I love traveling and meeting people, and as a "writer" love to hear people's stories. Seeing how other people decorate, etc their homes always inspires me in thinking of how my own house will be when I finally settle down and buy one myself.

I am a non-smoker thus fare best with other non-smokers, as I am sensitive to those smells as well as others. I love to explore and see new things, try new foods and find things off the beaten path. I've come to really love peace and tranquility living in Santiago and battling large groups of pedestrians on a daily basis. I'm looking forward to meeting a Couchsurfing host near an underpopulated lake area soon!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I just heard about couchsurfing from a gringo in Chile a few months ago. He said it was mostly safe and it's only "way too exciting" if everyone involved wants the same thing. So I am hoping it will provide me an opportunity to see more of Chile on my little instructor's budget before I leave in about a year or so.

At this time I cannot be a host as my apt. is tiny and couldn't even fit a couch if I wanted to! The surfer would have to sleep on my hard carpetless floor.

Interests

As is evident in the other boxes, I love music, especially live, movies, books and various other arts (including conversation). Beaches (for swimming, kayaking, or sunning), biking and seeing beautiful things (ie nature, historic architecture and art, etc). Obviously I like meeting people, and I will probably fall in love with your pet! I love gastronomy and wine/beer pairing, but that can just as easily include a humita with Gato or Completo with Escudo! I make an excellent homemade fruta-colada, and one of my favorite "meals" is raw veggies. Cheap and filling!

Interests that may or may not fall in line with my expected Chilean travels include amusement parks, water parks, and other things that go very fast and make one feel weightless and free! I love theatre, musicals, ballet/dance, poetry readings (I was doing these, too, in the U.S. Very fun!).

• pets
• arts
• writing
• books
• poetry
• architecture
• dancing
• ballet dancing
• cooking
• wine
• beer
• baking
• instructor
• movies
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• cycling
• kayaking
• boxing
• swimming
• law
• beaches
• parks

Music, Movies, and Books

I love independent and/or cerebral stuff when it comes to art and media; Woody Allen and Russell Banks top my lists. However, I have my "secret" indulgences like John Grisham and stupid teenager movies. The only thing I DON'T listen to is country and what I call "cockroach-stamping" music. My iTunes has everything from Indigo Girls and reggae to REO Speedwagon and Ashlee Simpson.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Oh, wow... the first thing that comes to mind are all the stupid things I did as a kid and teen; things people used to laugh at me about; hardly what I would consider amazing... I guess the thing I am most proud of are the times I was able to write "beautiful" letters that successfully got me excused/refunded/etc from possible fines, late fees, etc. The biggest challenge was when I got a surprise bill after an elective surgery that was covered by insurance. They tried to claim it was rejected by my insurance months AFTER everything was over. It took almost six months of phone calls and related drama until I wrote THE LETTER that finally wiped them off the face of my earth (I copied the Attorney General).

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm not sure what this box is for; I already filled in the box below regarding what I can possibly teach and share with hosts.

I guess I can mention that I love to cook and I consider this one of my strengths; from creative salads, pastas, smoothies and other naturally healthy and delicious dishes, I love working with legumes, veggies, fruits and meats (if nobody is a veggie; I also like tofu and other alternatives) and playing with flavors and textures. My experiments with curries, spices, herbs, etc usually turn out quite nicely :-)

My allergies have also led me to experiment with homemade cleaning/HBA products, but I'm still working on perfecting these! Although I made a killer mouthwash with essential lemon oil and baking soda!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can help any host improve their English; any of the four skills they would want! I am very creative with my methods!! I can also advise/proofread/consult on anything they are writing, and have worked with students on their resumes and interview skills. I consider myself a pretty objective and comprehensive cultural consultant; and now for Santiago/Chile as well. I also may be a couchsurfing host when I return to the U.S.

Countries I’ve Visited

Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

Chile, Colombia, Mexico