I am a freelance theatre producer and maker based in Utrecht, The Netherlands. I am originally from Scotland but have lived here for about four years. Since I was in my late teens I have enjoyed travelling and working abroad. I consider myself very open minded and welcoming and think it is important to put yourself in situations outside of our comfort zone.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I think it is important that we think carefully about how we behave as tourists when travelling, there are already cities that have too many apartments only used for short term lets and have led to the increase of prices for the local population. I think couchsurfing is a great way to take advantage of what and who already exists in the place you want to experience without impacting the environment negatively.

Because I have travelled and worked abroad I have hosted lots of friends of friends in a more casual capacity not using this platform. I want to expand my networks and meet new people who I might not normally have a chance to bump into.

Interests

As a freelancer I spend alot of time working strange hours and usually have to work intensive contracts that require me to travel. When I have time to myself I try to use it wisely and take advantage of time off by travelling as much as possible. Now I live in mainland Europe I try to take the train to nearby countries which is almost impossible when I am in Scotland.

• cooking
• yoga
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• cycling
• theatre

Music, Movies, and Books

A Little Life - Hanya Yanagihara
Half of a Yellow Sun - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi
The Left Hand of Darkness - Ursula K. Le Guin
The Dispossessed - Ursula K. Le Guin

What I Can Share with Hosts

I think Utrecht is really accessible and international city. I have good knowledge of it cultural and festival scene and can recommend lots of really lovely events, bars, cycles and general local tips.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Laos, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda

Countries I’ve Lived In

Netherlands, Scotland, Sweden