I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and became an exchange student at the age of 16. Living abroad for one year in South Africa changed my life forever. I since went back to live in South Africa a second time. I have had the good fortune of traveling abroad and meeting amazing people along the way. I met a woman on a train who invited me to visit her in Paris. When I got there, she gave me the keys to her apartment and said I could stay as long as I like. From that moment, I made a vow that I would help as many travelers as possible on their journeys. That is one of the reasons couch surfing is appealing to me.

I currently live in San Francisco, an absolutely amazing city. I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to live in such a beautiful place with my husband and mother. My brother and his wife live nearby.

I am interested in new experiences. I have many passions; travel, languages, culture, kimonos, tea, nature, and animals. I am a life-longer learner and am hungry for things of the spirit. I enjoy working, meeting people, and learning from others. I enjoy a plant-based diet, yet manage to find something wonderful to eat anywhere I go.

My friends would say I am warm, caring, thoughtful, generous, spiritual, high energy, adventurous, and can range from silly to sophisticated, as needed.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am going to Cleveland to take care of my father who is very ill. In deciding where to stay, I remember meeting a couch surfer at my friend's house. He was visiting San Francisco for job interviews and he joined us for dinner. He was such a cool guy and it seemed like such a great idea to meet new friends and have a more authentic experience by staying with a host. It also reminds me of the spirit of AFS, the international, intercultural exchange program.

Interests

Traditional Japanese culture. Tea. Gardening. Reading/listening to books. Taking care of my backyard wildlife. Exploring San Francisco. Cooking, when I have the time to enjoy it.

Music, Movies, and Books

I love music and enjoy anything from Classical to Funk, R & B, Motown, Beatles, Classic Rock, Blues, Pop, New Age, Country, just about anything, although I am not as well versed in Hip Hop.

Shawshank Redemption, West Side Story . . . there are so many, it just depends on my mood. I typically watch inspirational movies, true stories, documentaries, romance, dramas, period movies, martial arts, animation. I prefer movies that are not overly violent. I have a sense of humor and loved the movie "Under Cover Brother." I like Tyler Perry movies.

I read a lot of spiritual, inspiration, and business books. I recently read "The Surrender Experiment,"The Glass Castle,"Your Brain at Work." I listen to Audio Books constantly which is why I get through so many books.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Became an AFS student (exchange student) at 16 and lived for one amazing year in South Africa with an incredible host family.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Appreciation and gratitude for their kindness.
Enthusiastic future host and tour guide if my host visits San Francisco.
Cook meals or expert kitchen assistant.
Knowledge of traditional Japanese culture.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, France, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Peru, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

South Africa