Somehow I managed to get very confused and create two accounts that were once linked to fb. Here is my other profile that I am working on getting access to again: https://www.couchsurfing.com/people/madeline.barrow
I'm a recent university graduate who has been given a second chance of living in Germany. I teach English at a boarding school and I have learned so much from my students this year-- it blows me away.
I was given the "mother goose" award, and I really think that my tendency to want to nurture those around me comes from wanting to pay forward everything my mom and older sisters did for me!
I like to travel and to learn new languages, even if I don't dedicate enough time to ever become fluent. I'm fascinated by language and how people feel about language/dialects/accents-- everyone has an opinion!
I was lucky enough to study something I love, and to travel every year of my adult life (so far!)
I am constantly being challenged to break out of my comfort zone and to be a more informed global citizen.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

The best way to discover a place is through its people... or other surfers who want to explore with you :) I usually travel alone, so I'm always looking for good company and good conversation!
While I don't have the chance to host for the time being, I'm hoping to surf my way around Europe. I've been hosted twice: once with an amazing woman in Amsterdam, and once with a guy I got stuck on an epic bus ride with to Paris-- and they both really helped me feel at home. My family has been hosting exchange students (13!!) since I was 5, and I'm ready to do some surfing-- it's never too early or too late to meet someone who challenges your preconceptions!

Interests

Languages, and talking to people about languages. I said this before, but really, everyone tends to have strong opinions about language maybe without even realizing it. I don't always like that people have such strong feelings, but it's quite interesting from a sociological stand point.
I am learning to love to read again. And I am attempting to improve my humor non-fiction writing.
Cooking and eating food. I love to bake!! I tried to get into DIY crafting for a while but I just don't have the appropriate attention to detail necessary to make things pretty.

• writing
• diy
• dining
• cooking
• recipes
• baking
• traveling
• surfing
• dialects
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Ed Sheeran, Collegiate A Capella
Movies: 12 Angry Men, As Good As It Gets, Rain Man, The King's Speech, The Italian Job, Boondock Saints, Mean Girls, Pitch Perfect
Books: Harry Potter, Bartemaeus Trilogy, The Dead Poet's Society, The Alchemist, Nothing For Ungood

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Traveled to Egypt in 2011 after the February Revolution

Teach, Learn, Share

I am a collector of stories and I hope to share what I learn about every individual with my community back home.
I love to learn new cooking recipes and to share my baking recipes.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love to chat, but I also love to listen. I've acquired quite a few recipes over the years, but I don't know how "authentic" they are if transferred via an American :) I love swapping stories and learning about your travels and experiences!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, Egypt, France, Italy, Morocco, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United States