CURRENT MISSION

Living day to day. Being in the moment. Remembering to BREATHE. Trying not to be too attached to anything or anyone. To travel to far greater than my past 35 countries.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

By trying to provide a cultural and sharing experience.

PLEASE read EVERYTHING before contacting us for a couch! If it's clear you haven't we'll automatically say "No." PLEASE DO NOT contact us if you just want a free place to sleep!

CS's who have References, are Verified, and have filled out their profiles completely - this is for your safety, comfort and security as well as ours! - are welcome in our small apartment for a night. We just ask that you share in contributing something like a few groceries (eggs, cheese, milk, bread, etc,), a bottle of wine, etc. so we can have a truly sharing experience!

We usually provide a light breakfast.

After one night of Couchsurfing if you would like to stay another night we can discuss. Sometimes we are able to host two people - please check with us.

ABOUT ME

I'm from the Midwest, spent 15 years in Wash., D.C. and now over 20 years in Los Angeles. I've also traveled and lived abroad a lot, most recently as an ESL teacher and confidence building coach in India, Chile, and Tunisia. Unfortunately I'm between jobs now and..., well..., broke!

PHILOSOPHY

After many years of hosting and being hosted by Couchsurfers, I believe the most important things are: being a RESPONSIBLE guest/couchsurfer, which to us means doing the work required to let people feel safe and secure with you - get REFERENCES, Friends, get Verified, post a real Profile Photo of yourself - you know, things that would make people feel comfortable letting you into their homes and their lives!; being sensitive to others' situations and circumstances (no big bragging about your job, position or income please!); not imposing your views on others & respecting other views; being respectful in general; and treating others the good, old fashioned way, ie., as you would like to be treated. Thanks for your understanding.

We offer you a comfortable bed in a lovely, (but extremely expensive:-)) location next to the beach. (Heated pool, ocean view, etc). Because this is a truly sharing space, we provide you with all the comforts of home for a night and just ask that you contribute some groceries, a meal out, or whatever you think is fair.

After the first night, if you'd like to stay as a guest a while longer we ask for a small donation towards wifi, laundry, food, drinks, electricity, etc.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Mainly it's been awesome! The positives (truly sharing surfers who contribute to meals and memories) have generally well outweighed the negatives (surfers who just want to mooch!)

Interests

I love to travel , share a meal and stories; and expand my understanding of others and myself, to push me to explore things beyond my comfort zone to expand my outlook and views.

• dining
• breakfast
• wine
• cheese
• coach
• drinking
• traveling
• billiards
• teaching
• law
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Non-fiction and historical fiction. I like the mix of different kinds of music and news on stations like NPR, The World, Which Way LA, on my local LA radio station, KCRW.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've watched giant sea turtles laying eggs on an Indian Ocean beach, been chased by a elephant on a single path, and surrounded by a pride of lions in an open air Land Rover. But the most amazing are the series of increasingly astounding "coincidences" I've experienced in the past few years, and the challenge of deciphering their intrinsic meaning.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can explain a few things about our legal system, show people how to speak and write better English and make jewelry, and perhaps even help to enrich their lives through sharing some of my incredible experiences and stories. And listening to theirs!

What I Can Share with Hosts

When I'm a Couchsurfing guest I share in the cost of food and donate towards other expenses!,

When I host, in addition to the bed and some light meals, I can teach English, tutor, coach, and share my travel experiences around the world. I can lend a good ear.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin (French part), South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Chile, France, India, Kenya, Tunisia, United States

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