CURRENT MISSION

Be the change I want to see

ABOUT ME

I grew up in Scotland (various locations), spent a year in Asia and a four years in London, before recently moving back to Edinburgh. My main work is in the voluntary sector with mental health charities, though I also dabble in English tutoring, proofreading and writing.

In my spare time I'm putting together a graphic novel based on dreams. I have lots of other creative projects which mostly sit untouched in my book of ideas. I like the countryside and going for walks and growing plants. I love creatures, especially ones you can hug, and have to restrain myself when passing cats and dogs on the street!

You can read about my most recent thoughts and travels on my blog: http://songsofsappsorrow.blogspot.com/

PHILOSOPHY

I try to find a balance between enjoying life in itself, for myself, and supporting others to find happiness in themselves.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've hosted a few people in Edinburgh and London and met up with CSs in Hanoi and Taipei who helped me in my adventures and became treasured friends. I'm happy to offer what advice and company I can wherever I am.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've met many lovely people over the past few years through surfing, hosting and group get-togethers. I've really enjoyed the spontaneity of getting to know them through this modern-age community.

Interests

Psychology, art, literature, comic books, music, film, philosophy, mental health, magic, spirituality, science, computer games, dance, culture, nature, human difference...

• cats
• dogs
• arts
• culture
• writing
• books
• literature
• dancing
• cooking
• recipes
• traveling
• blogging
• drawing
• magic
• music
• surfing
• psychology
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

Some of my favourite...Music: Pantha du Prince, Fourtet, Chequerboard, PJ Harvey, Radiohead, Fiona Apple, Bright Eyes, Bert Jansch, RJD2, Jeff Buckley, Mozart... Funk, Reggae, Classical, Folk, Dance, Indie, Electronic, Gypsy, Techno, Flamenco, Blues.Movies: In the Mood for Love, Dolls, Life of Brian, Like Water for Chocolate, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Vanilla Sky, The Princess BrideBooks: The God of Small Things, An Unfortunate Woman, Lolita, The Road, Jitterbug Perfume, The Books of Magic, BlanketsAuthors: Arundhati Roy, Irvin Yalom, Alan Moore, Craig Thompson, Richard Brautigan

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've seen and worked with people who come through horrible experiences but remain beautiful, loving people.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach English, basic mediation techniques and some fun visualisation exercises for self-development. I've studied philosphy, psychology, psychotherapy, shamanism and English literature and can share what I know of the theory and my own thoughts and experiences.I enjoy cooking diverse world recipes, especially Thai, Italian and Mexican - would like to learn more. I want to improve my drawing skills and my French and Mandarin.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Macao, Madagascar, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, France, Scotland, Taiwan

•