CURRENT MISSION

Be effective in communicating across differences and cultures. Discover the innate essence of the human spirit.

ABOUT ME

I tried to teach myself Hindi and Sanskrit when I was 12. I guess I was just so overjoyed by the possibility of another way of communicating that was different than my own. I remember being so serious and studious about it. Ha!

I am fascinated by other cultures and if I could, I would travel all the time, but because of school, I now call Portland my home.

I am spiritual and considerate of views completely different than my own. I seek common ground in every conversation and share my unique light in unexpected ways.

PHILOSOPHY

"We can't cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy" -Joseph Campbell

I treat others with respect because that's how I want to be treated.

I try to stay positive even through the hard times.

I really love laughing/giggling even when there's nothing to laugh at.

I am calm and relaxed most of the time. What's the point of getting all worked up over the little things?

If we love ourselves with the passion we loved other people in our lives, we would always live on top of the world.

Opening your heart to new experiences can have the effect of changing your life forever. Open you heart and see if you fall in love with something you never expected.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I am slowly getting more connected to the groups and people through CS. I surf and hope to host eventually. I attend meetings when I can and contact people to hang out with.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have surfed in Brazil and the US. I am getting more and more experience to be the best guest and host I can. If you have any suggestions on how to share culture while surfing, I am open to it! It is difficult to choose how some of the little things are different about a culture and share them with someone else..

Interests

I discovered that dance is my one true passion that connects me with the divine. I connect the most with Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Cuban dances of the Orixás (Orishas). I'd been learning this style for about 5 years in Portland, OR until I finally went to Brazil to learn it form the source. There were so many surprises waiting for me there. and I was happy to learn from the people it came from too.

I really like nature and viewing it. When I go somewhere abroad or even close by, it's not to see architecture or buildings. I go to see the natural beauty of the landscape and everything else in between. I really like taking road trips too. You can watch the beauty pass you by and keep going when it isn't so beautiful.

Some other things I love:

-Maracatu
-Art
-Meditation
-Yoga
-Cooking and sharing a meal
-Language
-When someone smiles and says hi
-Spiritual Practice of daily Living

When I'm traveling to a new place I always like to take a walk at first to explore the area around. I like seeing museums (especially folklore), music shows, dance shows, parks and natural wonders of the area. I enjoy going out every once and a while, but I'm not a person that goes out every night.

• arts
• culture
• folklore
• architecture
• beauty
• perfumes
• dancing
• cooking
• yoga
• meditation
• clothing
• traveling
• music
• surfing
• road trips
• parks

Music, Movies, and Books

I really like fantasy books. I am currently reading the Patrick Rothfuss series.. The Name of the Wind and Wise Man's Fear. Beautifully written!

I listen to a lot of world music from Brazil, India, Africa, Cuba... A LOT of Brazilian music. I really like Afro-Brazilian and folkloric music from these places. I currently really like music with a lot of percussion like Maracatú, Samba Batucada and Samba Reggae.

I don't watch a lot of movies. When I do, I like ones with great music and scenery. I like Baraka, The Beach, Orfeu Negro (1999) and my favorite The Fifth Element.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

When I was living in Brazil I was invited to meet Condoleezza Rice as a recipient of a Gilman International Scholarship. Though I'm sure some would think it to be undesired given the state of our government at the time, I still think it's cool to meet famous people.

One of the most amazing things I've seen was Machu Picchu. I could have spent days there just taking it all in.

Traveling alone across Brazil.

Teach, Learn, Share

Conversa em portugues

Dance, yoga, experiential movement, art projects, randomness

I make my own bags/purses and can show how to do that. I also like making meaningful collages to help set intention and goals.

I would like to share and learn more Portuguese, how to make gypsy clothing in a short amount of time with little resources and heartsong sharing.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bolivia, Canada, Germany, Mexico, Peru

Countries I’ve Lived In

Brazil, Spain, United States