CURRENT MISSION

To be.

ABOUT ME

I'm smiley, friendly, open-minded, and love a chat and a laugh. I'm fascinated by people, cultures, languages and societies, and think CouchSurfing is one of the best ways to get a taste of their diversity across the world.

My interest in the above has led me around the world a few times, and I now work in International Development, which has been an avenue to meet some awesome and inspiring people, and more travel.

Later this year (2014), I'm going to taking off on another adventure - travelling around Europe and then moving to Asia. Not really sure where I'll land, but I'm excited about this next adventure, and looking forward to the next CS journeys.

PHILOSOPHY

I'm a strong believer in equality, and living out that equality from a rights-based starting point. I acknowledge the position of privilege I hold in this world, and the power that comes with that. What that means in practice is realising that as a white, middle-class, straight, able-bodied, secular, Australian female I was born very lucky. Through no fault or merit of my own I have been set up with a pretty blessed life, which comes with a responsibility, because others are not so lucky. Our position of privilege should not equate to the value on our lives, or the ability someone has. And acknowledging privilege helps us to identify a shared humanity, which we can use to start bridging power gaps.

Through this 'personal philosophy', I have met some wonderful people who I am constantly learning from: Abilio in Timor-Leste, Jyoti in India, Sambath in Cambodia, and many, many more.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

CSed all throughout last year...and it seriously made my trip amazing. Just enrichened the whole experience. I loved meeting locals and hearing about their lifestyle, rather than just other backpackers all the time

The world would be a much more empathetic place if everyone slept on another's couch for a bit!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

In 2008 I backpacked and couchsurfed around Europe with a girlfriend, and had the most amazing time. Back in Australia I hosted a bit, and am now looking to head overseas again and am looking forward to getting back into the 'surfing' scene.

Some of the most memorable times have been a CS catch-up in Sweden with 30 others from around the world for mid-summer, generous people accommodating me at last minute when I rocked up in a city with nowhere to stay, and just generally, the insights you gain into people's lives throughout the world.

Interests

Being with friends and family, cycling around town, farmers markets and lazy weekends, listening to music and singing in the shower, making plans for trips I'll never do, and some I will.

• singing
• traveling
• music
• cycling
• backpacking
• surfing
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I'm very eclectic when it comes to movies and music.

Books: Not so eclectic - Harry Potter all the way.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Travel is humbling - always.

Whether it's standing in the spray of Iceland's Gulfoss waterfall and knowing how easily it could sweep you away. Or spending three weeks learning from kids and families in the poor state of Bihar, India. Or returning home knowing how lucky you are to have experienced the last year of backpacking through Europe.

Having the opportunity to travel is amazing.

Teach, Learn, Share

I work in International Development, particularly from a gender (feminist) approach. One thing I'm particularly passionate about is the role the 'West' has in development. Always very happy to have conversations around this with anyone willing to chat :-)

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