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Kenmore, Queensland, Australia
@makenzie-mergard
Member since 2016
I am an avid adventurer. I like to go off the beaten track; if it's unconventional, it has more appeal. The best experiences I've had have been with people from the place that I'm visiting, doing things I hadn't planned -- helping at a convention in Italy when I don't speak Italian? Sure! Going to a ukulele jam at a pub in the UK countryside? Never would have planned it. Showering at a public beach shower in NZ because we can't afford to pay for a campsite? Best story ever. Show me your adventure!
Interested in Adventure Sports
Interested in Baking
Fluent in German
Learning French
Why I'm on Couchsurfing
I believe everyone should be able to travel. If the cost of accommodation is too much, it shouldn't stop you from being able to have rich experiences and adventure. You could sleep under a bridge, or you could make new friends and sleep on someone's couch. Everyone has something to offer in return, whether it's a great story, new skills to teach, or a couch in return.
Music, Movies, and Books
My music tastes are ever-changing, but it's always safe to say 70s rock. The Eagles, America, Led Zeppelin and Steely Dan are currently on rotation. But I love almost all types of music and can easily be convinced of a new favourite song! My favourite books are novels -- the more worn-out, dog-eared and scribbled-over, the better. Sometimes classic literature, sometimes crime thrillers, sometimes verse and poetry...as long as it's old, I'm happy. Movies: every now and then, you have to be eccentric; top three movies are 1) Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (this is a classic, and totally politically incorrect, but I LOVE it); 2) Thor Ragnarok (excellent comedy, best Marvel movie), 3) Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (visually stunning, a great movie to pick apart, love Tarantino).
One Amazing Thing I've Done
The most recent adventure was meeting two guys (strangers from the internet, what could go wrong?) in New Zealand and helping them with a rock climbing documentary that they were filming. I had no experience in outdoor rock climbing, and it was a huge learning curve-- sleeping three in the back of a van, climbing mountains, sleeping under the stars, conquering a fear of heights, learning how to lead belay...it was the most exciting, difficult, rewarding, tiring, and adventurous thing I've done.
Teach, Learn, Share
I have studied a Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics, majoring in German and Linguistics. English is my native language and I would love to teach English! I am also very interested in learning new languages, so if you can teach me how to speak a little of your native language, we both win! Newest skill I've learned is lead belaying. You want to go rock climbing? I genuinely love belaying!!
What I Can Share With Hosts
I am an excellent cook and love entertaining people! Feeding people is honestly one of my favourite things to do, and it's hard to do it often while travelling, without access to a kitchen most days. It's also a great way to spend time getting to know people. Let me buy the ingredients and let's share a meal together!
My Interests
Professional pastry chef; avid hiker and outdoor explorer; love to read; am still learning more about rock climbing (but I love it!); am a barista and love me some coffee!
