Hi! I'm a native Texas who escaped into the wild. I have lived in New Orleans, Philadelphia, and I am since June 2012 in Austria. I moved here for work, and I have been lucky enough to be surrounding by many patient people willing to help me learn German rather quickly. I have spent 2.5 years trying to experience all that Austria has to offer, i.e., people, food, hiking, skiing, biking, etc.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am new (as of January 2015) to couch surfing. What sounds most appealing is getting to know someone local to where you are staying. I have been on enough trips where I just do touristy things and come away feeling like I could not really describe the country I visited very well.

Interests

I like to laugh, go skiing, eat, try new food, cook, travel, people watch, build things out of wood and explore cities. I grew up in Houston and I lived in New Orleans for five years, immediately prior to Katrina. I lived in Philadelphia for six years before moving to Austria.

I enjoy talking, but I also enjoy listening to and observing other people. You can really learn a lot by paying attention, and I think many people forget that.

I like to travel, and my job involves travel, so that has been a nice bonus.

• dining
• cooking
• traveling
• cycling
• hiking
• surfing
• skiing

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, Planes Trains and Automobiles, Star Wars 4-6, Bronx Tale, and Shawshank Redemption. Television: Doctor Who, The Simpsons, South Park, Daily Show, Battlestar Galactica, and Star Trek TNG and DS9. Books: Team of Rivals, White Teeth. Music: Queen, Michael Jackson, Prince, almost anything flamboyant and fabulous.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hmmm...that is hard. I will share one of the most unusual experiences I have ever had, though it had nothing to do with any talent that I have.

When I was eleven years old, I stood with President George H.W. Bush and watched women taking a group aerobics course. It was totally by accident, and really awkward for both of us. We stood silently for a few minutes until he went on his way to do presidential stuff.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I enjoy lively conversation and cultural exchange.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Scotland, Spain, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Austria, United States