Born and raised in Chicago, studied in Boston, on the road ever since! I moved to Dublin to work for a year in 2015...I never could have imagined that four years later I would still be traveling and working abroad. I taught English in Spain for a year --- and continue to study Spanish on my own. Cuando la gente dijo que hablo bien, mi respuesta siempre es "Por una gringa, si" (I'm highly conversational with messy conjugations).

I lead students on international cultural immersion, community service, and adventure tourism trips. I love finding the time to travel for myself as well (most of the time as a solo backpacker).

I believe the best way to learn about a culture is from the inside. Living and working with the locals, which is why I've worked in other countries (and try to give myself at least 6 weeks in a country if I'm backpacking). I'm easy-going, talkative, and energetic. Passionate about culture, cheese, and 90s pop.

*Fun fact - all my former roommates can confirm that I actually prefer sleeping on couches more than beds (and commonly due so in my own home)! Weird, I know.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love meeting new people and experiencing cities from a local's point of view! In Dublin, my flat was very international. I loved sharing our experiences and making friends from around the globe. I like to continue this tradition everywhere I go.

Interests

Exploring cities by foot
Hiking
TED Talks
Photography
Music
Theatre
Cooking

• culture
• folklore
• performing arts
• photography
• cooking
• cheese
• traveling
• music
• backpacking
• teaching
• psychology

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm an unashamed Backstreet Boys fan.
(but also love Nathaniel Rateliff & the Nightsweats, Hozier, Amy Winehouse, and First Aid Kit)

Books:
Into the Wild
You are Here

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Raising over $5,000 for Syrian Refugees while hiking 600 miles on the Camino de Santiago del Norte
Motorbiking around Vietnam (Ha Giang was a particular favorite)
Meeting an elephant that is only 9 hours old

Teach, Learn, Share

I am a former English teacher in Spain, so I love helping other people with English. I'm also always trying to strengthen my Spanish skills. I love a good sing-along and having conversations that go until 2 AM without even realizing it.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm really good at doing the dishes (and making them out of whatever is lying around the house). Honest opinions, engaged conversations, a lot of laughs.
My speciality American food is home made mac n cheese :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ireland, Spain, United States