I am from Old England (London) and Paul, my husband is from New England (Boston). We have been married almost 22 years and have 4 children (one together and three from his first marriage). We often get asked how we met. It is quite a story which we are happy to share if you stay with us! We have lived in Nashville all our married life and are just becoming empty nesters, having just graduated our youngest high school homeschooler. I love languages. I am creative - love to sew, knit and crochet. I love to connect with people and connect people to people. We both work from home.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love the idea of cultural exchange - it is one of the reasons I studied languages (Germans and Spanish) at university in Edinburgh, Scotland in the early 80’s. I love to learn from other cultures as well as practice hospitality. I have lived in other countries and longed to connect with locals but didn’t always have the opportunity to do so, therefore I am thrilled that Couchsurfing provides that opportunity.

Interests

• crafts
• languages
• travel
• art
• permaculture
• nutrition
• beekeeping
• knitting, crochet, sewing, cooking

Music, Movies, and Books

My music tastes are quite varied. In my university days I was in to punk rock and new wave. These days I listen to country music (well, living in Nashville!), Taylor Swift, Michael Buble, Alvaro Soler, Ariana Grande, Clean Bandit, Meghan Trainor to name a few.
I also enjoy classical music.
I don’t watch a ton of movies, but some of my favorite are The Scarlet Pimpernel, My Big Fat Greek Wedding (I’m married to a Greek!), Sleepless in Seattle - I guess you could say I tend to like romantic comedies but I also enjoy documentaries. I recently saw the movie Unplanned which had a big impact on me.
Books: I am currently enjoying The Zion Chronicles by Bodie Thoene which was on a recommended reading list for our first trip to Israel next year. I like light reads by Debbie Macomber.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I’ve cycled from John O’Groats to Lands End.
I won the National Public Schoolgirls’ Fencing Championship in the UK when I was 18
I was a missionary in Buenos Aires, Argentina for over a year in the late 80’s

Teach, Learn, Share

I have taught art to K-4th these past few years at our homeschool co-op. I have taught women at the Nashville Rescue Mission how to knit. I have taught a class on how to make sauerkraut (which my husband videoed and uploaded to YouTube). I have used essential oils for over 35 years and also know a lot about nutrition after I healed myself from chronic fatigue syndrome through nutrition. I love to share whatever has helped me in my lifetime with others who want to know.
We have an organic garden which Paul mainly tends and we follow permaculture principles. We are big fans of he Back to Eden documentary and love videos featuring Paul Gautschi.

What I Can Share with Hosts

All kinds of life experiences, help around the house, garment mending, meal prep, permaculture experience.

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, Uruguay, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Argentina, England, Germany, Scotland, Spain, United States