I grew up in a small village in Norway, and never really went outside of my country until I was in high school. In my last year in high school, I went on a surf trip to South Africa and fell completely in love with the country. When I finished school I decided to move there, and stayed for two years doing a leadership school, and explore the surfing in a small town called Jeffreys Bay.

I also ran a project in the townships there, teaching students and volunteers how to act in areas like that, and how to help with what's needed. First and foremost, we taught them how to create relationship with the beautiful people there, which is the greatest need. And from that we taught the people how to create simpler ways to keep the streets clean, how to build more proper houses, and how to live with cultural differences. It has been two of the greatest years of my life..

The people there, especially the kids, taught me about being genuine and joyful, but also showed me how screwed up the materialistic culture I come from is. Being there has left me angry and feeling hopeless, but like nothing else it has taught me about community and unconditional love. And what is more important than that?

Ps: Check out my instagram for more photos - @karolinelillemo

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've found that I need to constantly challenge my comfort zone, and traveling + meeting people from other countries let me do just that. Hearing stories, seeing new places does something to you that you just can't put the right words to, and that's why Couchsurfing plays an important role.

Interests

• writing
• drawing
• hiking
• surfing
• beaches

Countries I’ve Visited

Botswana, Denmark, England, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Turkey, Zambia

Countries I’ve Lived In

Norway, South Africa