Hi everyone! My name is Julia Nyman, and I am so excited to be joining this platform! I love to travel and have seen many beautiful things, but my favorite part about traveling is meeting people and getting to know the true culture of a place. I cannot wait to begin seeing more of the world through this lens!

I have lived in the greater Portland, Oregon area most of my life. This is a beautiful place of forests, waterfalls, mountains, and lakes, and I absolutely love exploring it. I live very close to the Columbia River Gorge which, through all the places I've been, is by far my favorite. I love to hike, find mushrooms (although, I know nothing about them), sing, climb, and be in my community.

My husband has only barely left the country, but he loves new people and experiences, so I am incredibly excited to watch him experience other cultures on our adventures. We both love to make new friends, and we're so excited to meet you!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My favorite part of any trip, big or small, has always been those I meet and can build some form of relationship with. I didn't know this platform existed, but when I learned of it, I was instantly intrigued. There is only so much people can glean from another place from the outside. I want to immerse myself in the culture as much as possible; I cannot wait to experience other places through the eyes of those who live there and to share my culture with others!

Interests

I love to be outdoors in any and all capacities. I am always trying to find new hikes or places to sit in stillness. I have recently really gotten into climbing, but I have yet to try it outdoors. I believe in finding small joys in life and taking every day as a gift. The best part of life are the people I get to spend it with. My faith is an integral aspect of who I am, and I love studying the Bible, talking about God, and sitting in awe at the love of my Creator. I also like Dungeons and Dragons!

• singing
• yoga
• hiking
• cultures
• good food
• climbing
• jesus
• mental health
• community
• dungeons and dragons
• slow walks

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Folk/Bluegrass (specifically, The Arcadian Wild), Worship, Musicals, Film Scores, Latin, Classic Rock.

Movies: Good Will Hunting, The Incredibles (and most other Pixar movies), Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, and most "who dunnits."

Books: Epic Fantasy (The Name of the Wind, The Stormlight Archives, etc.), books that make you think (Animal Farm, The Giver, The Book Thief, etc.), Classics (Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, etc.). I am wanting to read The Picture of Dorian Gray. I love reading/hearing about other people's favorite books. It gives such a unique picture into who they are and how they think.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

When I was studying in Costa Rica, I was taken to the Osa Peninsula for a couple of days. I got to eat cacao beans straight from the pod, swim in a stream in the hills, kayak through mangrove trees (where I saw a sloth), and eat the entirety of a fish caught that morning - including the eye! I saw more stars those nights than I ever have, even to this day. It was incredible. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Teach, Learn, Share

I enjoy good conversations, yoga, tea, and tasty food (both with or without meat). I am always down for a conversation about values and am eager to learn about others' beliefs. I love nutrition and would love to learn how to identify safe mushrooms!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am a friendly, quiet, clean, and authentic person. I can offer genuine conversation, listening ears, and good stories. I would love to hear about your adventures and what you love about your hometown and the world. I would love to be your hiking buddy if schedules allow!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, France, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

Costa Rica, Egypt, Mexico, Switzerland, United States