I'm an adventurer, nature-lover, and an overall friendly, active person who loves to laugh with new and old friends at home and abroad!

Traveling in Peru starting in May and looking for trekking companions/fellow adventurers interested in treks near Cusco, Arequipa and Huarez.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Traveling is in my blood - it started when as a child in a military family we moved to seven different states around the USA. My dad has always been a pilot so I think I come by the travel bug quite naturally :)

As an adult, traveling has transitioned into my life's passion. I've taught English in South Korea, traveled throughout Asia, and am about to embark on a new adventure with a Work and Holiday visa in Australia.

Many people have been amazingly generous to me throughout my travels, and I hope to one day stay in one place long enough to return the favor and host. I wish to use Couchsurfing as a way to connect with like-minded travelers/hosts at home and abroad through meetups or stays.

Seeing a new place through the eyes of a local has given me memorable experiences, whether it was discovering off-the-beaten-track eateries in Kuala Lumpur, taking a historical walk through Delhi with a new friend from meditation retreat and then being welcomed into her family's home, turning "one year older" during the lunar new year in my Korean co-teacher's home, trying hand-caught fish on the farmlands of a Cambodian village, or biking the streets of New Orleans during Halloween week.

I wish to continue having experiences like this by spending time with people from all walks of life in their hometowns!

Interests

I love meeting new people, experiencing new cultures and places, eating all the foods, photographing my excursions and embracing the great outdoors with everything from rock climbing to scuba diving to snow skiing.

• fish
• cooking
• recipes
• meditation
• traveling
• eating out
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• fishing
• backpacking
• adventure races
• scuba diving
• skiing
• rock climbing
• track and field
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm a lover of most music - good old rock n' roll with killer guitar and drum solos while exercising, alternative while cruising around in my car, catchy popular tunes while singing in the shower, chill reggae while relaxing. I'm always open to learning about new artists and attending live shows. Some of my favorites are The Congos, Lindsey Stirling, Young the Giant, The Naked and Famous, Mumford and Sons, Tool, Incubus, Alice in Chains, Bob Marley.

Movies - I enjoy an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller that lingers with you afterward (Black Swan, Butterfly Effect). I also enjoy any movie with solid character and plot development (Dallas Buyers Club, The Intouchables), beautiful imagery (Big Fish) or the ability to make me laugh (old-school Jim Carrey movies).

Books - I tend to enjoy fiction from the best seller list (sometimes Oprah's Book Club picks), and ones chosen by book clubs I've participated in while living in Seattle and Gwangju, South Korea. I like a fast-paced mystery with strong, relatable characters probably the best (The Shadow of the Wind being a perfect example).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Backpacking throughout Asia for 4 months as a whole was pretty incredible. I'd have to say that during that time, my 7 weeks in India were most memorable, with a 10-day completely secluded and silent Vipassana meditation course set against the backdrop of the Himalayas as a singular eye-opening, challenging and overall amazing experience.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I would love to swap travel stories, share my passion for adventuring, fooding and the outdoors, and partake in cultural exchanges of all types. I'm experienced at cleaning (having worked a position that remodeled homes), so I'm happy to help tidy up. I can also share some of my family's recipes, although I won't promise I'm the best cook (but I sure can try!) I have an open mind, a good ear, a full heart and a free spirit!

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, Canada, China, France, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Northern Ireland, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, United States