Hello! My name is Katie Smith. I am an elementary art teacher in the mountains of Colorado in the USA. I am going to be going on a bike tour in Scotland and then WWOOFing in Italy, with a week in between. I am looking to explore a bit of Italy for the first time with someone during that week!

Other things about me: I am a bit quiet until I get to know you, and then my goofy and competitive side comes out. I enjoy outdoor activities including skiing, biking, and hiking, but honestly, I might love being still in nature even more. Whether that is sitting in water or my hammock watching the branches sway in the breeze or reading a good book. I am getting into yoga. I am trying to reconnect with my own artistic practice (I am trained as a printmaker, but enjoy painting, textiles, and experimenting in general). I enjoy making jam and tinctures, though I don't really know what I am doing. I love spending time with people by cooking together and sharing food, though once again I don't really know what I am doing. And I love animals, especially cats.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've only couch-surfed once, and it was with a friend in Finland... so this is new to me and a bit nerve-wracking. But I am pushing through my nerves because while traveling and getting to visit different places is great, what makes traveling really incredible to me is meeting new people, specifically locals, and getting a glimpse of living in a place versus breezing through. Plus, I tend to like less busy places and more nature-based traveling.

Interests

• animals
• culture
• reading
• skiing
• beaches
• art
• outdoors
• sewing
• hikiing
• bikiing

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: If on a winter's night a traveler, Remarkably Bright Creatures, Crying in H Mart, I'm Find But You Appear To Be Sinking

Music: Molly Lewis, Felbm, Funkmammoth, Courtney Barnett, Ley Line, Kenny Beats

Movies: Shanghai Knights, The Fall Guy, Girl Interrupted (just watched that for the first time!)

TV: Blue Eye Samurai, BoJack Horseman, Monk, Psych

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

This last winter I got into skiing by myself because I didn't have anyone to ski with. While that might not be amazing for others, it was amazing for me because I have a hard time doing things by myself... plus I ended up really loving it and my skiing improved.

Teach, Learn, Share

I enjoy cooking with other people and learning in the process and would love to share that experience with you.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am happy to help in any way I can! Whether that is cooking a meal, washing dishes, caring for animals, or something else.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Costa Rica, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Niger, South Africa, Sweden, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

New Zealand, United States