Hello, I'm Mel :)

I live in Northwest Arkansas (USA). I relocated here in 2010 after I finished my MBA to work in consumer-packaged goods marketing management. I enjoy what I do professionally, but as a of September 2017, I’ve put my career on hold. I’ve decided to take a sabbatical to renew myself mentally, physically and spiritually, all while traveling the world extensively. I hope to challenge myself in each of these areas with each place that I visit in hopes to live a more fulfilled life.

* I love to travel and exploring new cultures. I prefer to dine with the locals versus tourist. If you have local recommendations, I’m all ears!
* I'm a foodie. I’m willing to spend more on a nice dinner than I would even consider for a full outfit.
* I try to stay somewhat in shape and in the gym, but as I just mentioned-- I'm a foodie. :-S
* I love music and I think I would be a musician had my parents purchased that saxophone for me in fifth grade.
* I'm a fan of the arts. I've seen a number of Broadway productions and a total of 16 different Cirque Du Soleil Shows all over the U.S.
* Some additional past times of mine are hiking and photography (see some of my favorite travel pictures on Instagram @finding_melmo )

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've decided to explore Couchsurfing because I love to learn about new cultures through locals. I love making meaningful connections with people when I travel and I think Couchsurfing is a great way to do so.

Interests

• culture
• photography
• wine
• cheese
• fitness
• running
• traveling
• hiking
• tourism
• solo travel
• tours
• adventure travel
• beaches
• travel
• food
• travelling
• adventure
• beach
• cultures
• wanderlust
• laughing
• jogging
• foodie
• laughter
• camera
• sceneries
• scenery
• mountain hiking
• street photography
• foodies
• cheeseburgers
• scenic views
• health and fitness
• scenography
• i love traveling

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: R&B, Soul, Electronic, Hip/Hop, Pop
Movies: Horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy, Documentaries
Books: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've flown over the Knik Glacier in Alaska and landed in the glacier lake. AMAZING!

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: Marketing
Learn: The different ways people achieve happiness around the world
Share: Inspiration

What I Can Share with Hosts

My perspective on being American, living in America and my curiosity about the world. Why I've chosen to take a sabbatical and what's next!

Countries I’ve Visited

Anguilla, Australia, Bahamas, Belgium, Belize, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin (French part), Singapore, Sint Maarten (Dutch part), South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Arab Emirates, United States, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States