CURRENT MISSION

Eat, drink and be merry with some stimulating convo thrown in to get the blood flowing.

ABOUT ME

I really love being around people, especially in the company of those who like to "engage" (in conversation, activity, new challenges, etc.). As a teacher, my days pulsated with activity and buzz and melodrama (of the teenage variety). I loved my job. I loved my city (Montreal). And I exploited my vacation time to travel. I excitedly moved to Denmark in the fall of 2007 (with my boyfriend, now husband), began a Masters degree in European Studies and am now finishing the thesis while living in Seattle. The moving around has been a great opportunity to see the world but a challenge in the way of finding people I really connect with.

PHILOSOPHY

I think that a meaningful life comes from feeling like you are contributing something to society, helping others in some way (big or small). Feeling part of a community is life-affirming and inspires action. Isolation usually sets in motion a very downward spiral. Time to think is important, reflection is good -but too much time to think can be disabling. I have found that laughter, physical activity and a good night out with good people can cure most of what ails us.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have met many people (especially in Liverpool!) to have a drink and hang out. All the CS meet-ups have been awesome; I especially enjoy getting to know the city sites I wouldn't have otherwise seen or known about.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

My first CouchSurfing experience was wonderful. I met up with a CouchSurfer in Marseille, France in the fall of 2008; she (Souad) really gave me a very unique experience/perspective on her city and helped open me connect to a different energy of place.
Since then, I have used CS when traveling in Liverpool. I meet almost a dozen incredible people who have taking out the time to chat and show me something new.

Interests

I love food. It's one of the highlights of traveling to me. I don't just like eating it -I love the whole social history and geography of local cuisine. I like local history -especially of the anecdotal variety. More than learning the facts of a place, I like to get a sense of the place -a "vibe", I guess.
I like books, music and art. I like the idea of producing/creating things -although I don't have any honed skills when in comes to art or craftmanship. I guess I can make a mean montage or i-movie, though. ;)

• arts
• books
• dining
• drinking
• traveling
• music
• equestrian
• rock climbing
• teaching
• geography
• history
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Picking favorites is always an uncomfortable task for me.I have very eclectic tastes. In terms of music, I like everything from Prince to Bonnie "Prince" Billy. Books and movies -where to begin? I am pretty open.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

After a day of horseback riding through majestic landscapes of hills, streams and butterflies, I had the pleasure of cooling off in a small lake that provided clear and impressive views of an active volcano (in Costa Rica).

Climbing up the beautiful spires of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona with the knowledge that the careful mosaic work that graced the very top of the massive structure was for "the benefit of the angels" (according to Gaudi).

Sunbathing on a private rock on the gorgeous Dalmatian coastline of Croatia, only metres away from one of Tito's old army barracks.

Watching an hour-long, 360 degree spectacle of fireworks from a top-floor balcony while happily buzzed on New Year's Eve (Denmark).

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Denmark, United States

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