Hi, I'm Kirsty. I'm a twenty-one year-old English graduate with unyielding itchy feet. I am a keen reader, creative writer and performance poet. This year, I volunteered with the 2015 Brighton Fringe festival -- England's largest open-access mixed-arts festival. I therefore have a real penchant for all things art and culture -- the wackier the better, obviously. In short, I love nothing more than circulating quirky bars, galleries and theatres and seeing what new places have to offer.

In October, I relocated to a small village outside of Barcelona, Spain in order to embark on a year-long TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) placement, which I hope will not only give me the qualification I need, but also the life experience to continue teaching and travelling all across the globe.

Altogether, I'm an easily-pleased traveller and guest. I love nothing more than spending summer evenings outside with a cool beer and a game of cards -- or unearthing a new restaurant with exotic food and live music. I'm a friendly, outgoing and tidy person, who is on a quest to see the 'real' side of Europe's most famous cities -- as well as meeting a whole wealth of excellent new friends!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Because I'm in my twenties, and broadly speaking -- I have no real responsibilities in my life. No kidding, I haven't yet settled into my new career, I live with my parents after graduating from university in October... so surely this is the best window of opportunity to get out, see the world, meet new people, sleep on couches in locals' homes, get away from tourist traps and pricey hotels, and broaden my cultural understanding and experiences in the hope that when I finally do hold down the aforementioned responsibilities... I'll do so as a more refined, open-minded and thoughtful person. (At least, that's the plan, anyway.)

Interests

Food, books, beer, interior design (thank God for Pinterest -- I finally have an outlet for my mood-board-making enthusiasm!), art and culture, live music, spoken word, scarf-shopping (no kidding, I have hundreds!), meditative colouring, camping, barbecuing, being outdoors, coffee mornings, hiking.

• arts
• culture
• writing
• books
• performing arts
• design
• interior design
• coloring
• festivals
• dining
• cooking
• beer
• coffee
• mexican food
• running
• shopping
• traveling
• music
• live music
• spoken word
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• camping
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Naturally, I have a real penchant for adventure/travel books written by women, and one day, I hope to write my own. So far though, my favourites have included:

Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Tracks by Robyn Davidson
Around the Bloc: My Life in Moscow, Beijing, and Havana, Mexican Enough and 100 Places Every Woman Should Go, all by Stephanie Elizond Griest.

Aside from these, though, I attempt to plough through the Game of Thrones book series every year when the television show comes back on (I like to read them alongside!), and my dissertation thesis managed to unearth a whole wealth of 'Blank' and transgressive fiction written -- conversely -- by women, which is a topic I hope to take further into postgraduate study. Think Lynne Tillman, Tama Janowitz, Erica Jong and Kathy Acker!

In terms of music? I once watched the most vibrant and lively Samba Band in London's Covent Garden and I've wanted to join one ever since. Aside from that, though, I enjoy the atmosphere of watching live bands, be them acoustic love birds or bearded rockers. I like all manner of artists, from Green Day to Avicii to Mumford & Sons to Laura Marling.

I like independent films, but I've also got a special place in my heart for the likes of the Harry Potter series, Lord of the Rings, and Disney classics (namely, the Lion King!). I'm open to giving everything a try -- albeit I'm not a big fan of horror movies! My partner is keen to get me into the Marvel films -- so he'll be more than pleased to hear if you're a superhero fan and can give me some more of an education!

I lived for three years at university without a television and I didn't once miss it -- so TV is not really my thing. With that being said, now that I'm home with my parents, I do have a real thing for travel and animal documentaries! If you're not already from the UK -- look up Ben Fogle's shows! He's great to watch!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

White-Water Rafted down the Lütschine River, Switzerland (as a bad-ass Girl Scout, of all things!).

Teach, Learn, Share

In October, I moved to Barcelona to undergo a year-long placement teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), therefore I am very keen to swap languages with people!

What I Can Share with Hosts

English Language Teaching, card games, book recommendations, fajitas (I love cooking Mexican food!). I can share in the housekeeping and decorating (I love shopping for home furnishings and making mood boards from brochures!), and running errands.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Cuba, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Jamaica, Jersey, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City State, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Spain, United Kingdom