CURRENT MISSION

Explore the world and make art !

ABOUT ME

I am an artist and gallery director who lives in a happy share house in Newcastle. I lead an active life: enjoying the outdoors, socialising and creating art. I value meaningful relationships and the privilege to travel the world. My home is very important to me and I enjoy sharing it with others. Equally so, I love the thrill of wandering and look forward to many more wonderful journeys to unique countries. I am very much an individual who enjoys a balance of solo and social time. I thrive spending time alone in my studio making art and listening to classical and electronic music. Equally I enjoy big dinner parties with lots of food wine and conversation. I share some beautiful friendships with artists, actors and performers, not to mention my dog Louis - yes, I am a dog person. Balance is key for me and enjoying the good life. I enjoy gardening, yoga and quiet nights on the couch as much as a night out dancing and eating third helpings of cake. I don't work full time and save for an exotic holiday but see my art practice and travelling as part of my life. I therefore live a modest life at times but will always drink decent wine and make the most of every day.
My travel experiences have been exciting and varied. In 2011 I wwoofed across Canada and met some weird and wonderful characters as well as food, forrests, mountains and bears. I have eaten bagels and shown art exhibitions in Montreal. I have taken a chicken bus through Belize and hiked by headlamp in caves. Champagne under the Eiffel Tower and corn on the cob in Mexico.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING
When I travel I like to break up my journey by staying in a variety of accommodation types which includes couch surfing.
When in Newcastle I am a host.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have used the couch surfing network to stay in the Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK. I was really impressed by my hosts generosity and openness during this time. I particularly valued meeting like minds which helped me feel connected and inspired whilst traveling solo. Similar to couch surfing, I have been a wwoffer, which meant volunteering my labor on farms in exchange for accommodation and food. I did this in Canada in 2010 and met new people all the time and shared some great experiences.

Interests

This is what I do with myself :
www.madeleinecruise.blogspot.com

• dogs
• arts
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• yoga
• partying
• drinking
• gardening
• traveling
• music
• electronic music
• outdoor activities
• surfing
• swimming
• volunteering
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

I play the violin and teach piano and violin. I love the composer Philip Glass right through to Prince and electronic music. Currently reading Margaret Atwood but like classics like Fiesta by Hemmingway. Hitchcock entertains me every time, Penelope Cruz seduces me every time and I am a sucker for Woody Allen. Tilda Swinton and Cate Blanchet are my favourite actresses. The grand Budapest hotel, To catch a thief, Grand Torino, The Piano, Slumdog millionare.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Forging friendships across cultures in short amounts of time - I love the unification that travel and art offers strangers.
Swimming in the lake of an extinct volcano crater

Teach, Learn, Share

I can cook ! Clean, tidy, inoffensive, low maintenance house guest. Adaptable with excellent communication skills.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Canada

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