I often smile so much that my eyes disappear in photos, and I tend to throw my head back when I laugh. I am a 'possiblist'; a dreamer firmly grounded in reality who believes that the pursuit of a healthier, more equal world is the best way to spend a life.

I have an insatiable desire to learn and understand unfamiliar people, cultures, societies and politics and a pretty tremendous case of wanderlust. Likely contagious. When I was younger, I secretly wanted to be Anthony Bourdain... by which I mean I still want to be AB. The public is clamoring for a vegan version of No Reservations. I know 12 people who would watch. Probably.

I love live music, hot tea and a book by the fire in a fluffy blanket, the smell of pine needles, rain and campfire, the musings of the Dalai Lama, loosing yourself in the passion of a dance, the raw resonance of a note, the honesty of an embrace. The sideways glances, the secret smiles, the understanding that we are all in this together. The fragility and strength of the human spirit.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet new friends!! I'm new to Melbourne (so either the worst or best tour guide, depending upon your sense of humor) and sorely miss the multicultural dinner parties I used to throw in New York. Philosophy, politics, music, dance, laughter and good food - who's with me??

Interests

Intellectual stimulation,
travel,
spontaneous musical jam sessions,
integrity,
solitude,
human connection,
a yoga high,
the smell of fresh earth,
and a desire to leave the world a little better than I found it.
How to be a decent, honest, happy and successful human being. How to support others along a similar journey without pushing, presuming, or infringing upon their right to decide what that means.
Food.
Learning new languages. Polishing the languages I'm already supposed to know. Politics.
Psychology.

• books
• dancing
• dining
• vegan
• yoga
• partying
• politics
• traveling
• music
• live music
• languages
• psychology
• tourism

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite books: Pico Iyer, Azar Nafisi, Shantaram, The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho, Portrait of Dorian Gray
Shows: Daily Show, Colbert, TED Talks
Music: Virginia Rodriguez, Buika, Omara Portuondo, Rosa Passos, Angelique Kidjo, Anita O'Day, Anoushka Shankar, Belefonte and Makeba, Oscar Peterson, Ella, Billie, Julie London, Rachelle Ferrell, Nat King Cole, Bebo Valdes, Ruben Blades, Tito, Lavoe, Willie Colon, El Gran Combo, Rachmaninov, Callas, Mofo, Debussy, Andrew Bird, Dylan...
Food: Anything green, organic, healthy, spicy, or exciting: Thai, Indian, Lebanese, Syrian, Mexican, Raw, Vegan, and Smoothies.

Countries I’ve Visited

Colombia, England, Indonesia

Countries I’ve Lived In

India, Mexico, Russian Federation, United States