Hi! I'm Madeleine, or Maddie, or Mads, whichever you'd prefer. I am 22, from Auckland, New Zealand.

I have been travelling since the start of June. I spent 3 and half months in the USA, then did a trip through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Czech Republic, followed by a trip around the UK visiting London, Cardiff, Swansea, Nottingham, Sheffield and Leeds.

I have finally found home in Nottingham, and I'm currently working on the whole home/job sitch! :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

In June I began my big world wide adventure! When you live in New Zealand this is a VERY big deal, as it is so far away from most countries, and it's also incredibly expensive! I had heard about Couch Surfing as a great way to live as a 'local' rather than a tourist. I am looking forward to the opportunity to immerse myself in a culture in a different way than most 'tourists' by staying with people in their homes rather than in boring, plain, hotels.

Interests

Well first is the obvious, travel. I spent 3 months in USA in 2014 and LOVED IT. I also enjoy the beach, swimming, sailing, hiking, live music, reading, blogging, the gym, learning languages, getting stuck in a good book/tv series, socialising with friends/family, music festivals, great wine, great movies, and did i say travelling?

• culture
• books
• music festivals
• festivals
• dancing
• cooking
• wine
• movies
• reading
• tv
• traveling
• blogging
• music
• live music
• jazz
• hiking
• surfing
• sailing
• swimming
• languages
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC: I love alternative/classic rock artists best. I'm also very keen on New Zealand and Australian artists. My guilty pleasure is Hip Hop. The favourites are Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Incubus, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, Jimi Hendrix, Disclosure, Flume, The Black Seeds, AlunaGeorge, Safia, Kilter, Little Dragon, SBTRK, Fat Freddies Drop, Peking Duk, Andy C, Kings of Leon, Chris Malinchak, Drake, JayZ and The Black Keys.

MOVIES: I don't have a favourite! But my favourite genres are Thriller and Comedy.

BOOKS: My favourite books to read are travel guides and self help books. I find them interesting. Gulity as charged. I also enjoy mysteries :)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Travelled from New York to LA - by van! I hiked the Grand Canyon, Stayed with the Navajo's in Monument Valley, Rafted on the Mississippi, explored the Carlsbad Caverns, learnt to Line Dance in Nashville, danced along to Jazz in New Orleans, it was incredible!!

Teach, Learn, Share

If English isn't your first language, i am happy to help! I can also help with basic Spanish. I love to cook and would happily cook Kiwi dishes for host families! I have some great stories to share and i love to talk and share experiences.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can cook Kiwi dishes for you, share stories, and be a positive person to have in your house!

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belgium, Cook Islands, Czech Republic, England, Fiji, France, Germany, Luxembourg, United States, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, New Zealand, United States