Traveling the world learning about island cultures, or at least trying to! I was awarded a fellowship to pursue a passion of mine, the relationship between humans and the sea. But the best laid plans of mice and men lead you to unexpected misadventures!

I grew up in the American Midwest (no, not on a farm!) and after finishing college I set out to travel the world. I've been bopping around for the last couple of years and am now pursuing my master's in biological anthropology. I love geeking out about unexpected topics of conversation and learning as much as I can about most things.

As a friend of mine once said, "Zen through chaos!"

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Traveling and meeting new people. Helping other people travel when I can.

One of my favorite things about traveling is being reminded of the good in humanity. Too often we see the negatives and isolate ourselves from one another, claiming "safety" when in actuality it's the ease and relative comfort of not having to deal with others. But you can change a life by opening your door to a stranger.

Interests

Music: classical pianist

I love to read and discuss big issues. Get me started about books and we can go for hours.

Kayaking. Canoeing. Sailing. Boats! Pretty much put me on the water and I'm good to go

Exercise: I love it. Can't get enough. Objects in motion and all that

• traveling
• music
• kayaking
• sports
• beaches
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Eclectic tastes. Favorite "classical" is really actually Russian romantic music. Rachmaninoff above all. I also love to dance and am no stranger to more contemporary music!

Books: Currently in the middle of the Aubrey/Maturin series - so much fun

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Swum with dolphins off the coast of Zanzibar
Hiked Kilimanjaro
Lived with Inuit in Greenland for two months
Shipwrecked in Greece!
Worked in a refugee camp for 3 months
Sailing Greece in a 17-foot boat
Rooftop partying in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Sailing across the Atlantic
Remind me to tell you the story of the cowboys in Reykjavik
...or the one about living with that cult

What I Can Share with Hosts

If you have a piano I would love to play for you.
I can also offer oodles of stories and things I've picked up on the road.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, China, France, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Guam, Iceland, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States