I’m a sunshine girl from a sunny island. I

Seek insights and inspiration. I

Embrace beauty and novelty. I'm

Eager to learn and to love.

Kindly give me a chance to be known beyond 4 lines and to know you as a friend.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Having thoroughly enjoyed student exchange programmes in which I hosted and was hosted by students from New York, Australia, London and China, I thought that I would really enjoy couchsurfing and indeed I have! I love this community and am eager to share the love of this community with other surfers! Having been hosted by many lovely couchsurfing hosts, now that I'm finally home, I'm eager to be a great host to other couchsurfers so do contact me if you would like a friend in Singapore. I say friend because Couchsurfing, for me, is more than just a couch/bed; it is above all, a platform for people to share their lives with someone from a different part of the world, to expand their horizons and increase their empathy for the so-called Other, making our world a more intimate place in which we truly coexist.

If you'd like me to prioritise you request, please include in it one fun fact (or common misconception) about the country you're from. To set a hopefully good example, I shall tell you a fun fact about Singapore. Singapore--which is derived from the malay word, Singapura, meaning lion city--is a misnomer (an inaccurate name). Given that lions are not native in this city, it is likely that the legendary Sang Nila Utama who named this island mistook a tiger for a lion. To add to our fictions, we have the merlion--uniquely Singapore. We have many more stories to spin and share; come and exchange your stories with us. Welcome to our island that celebrates dreams and diversity, to some extent.

Interests

As I’m highly curious, I am enthusiastic about things and have many interests. I love discovering the world and discovering myself.

Undoubtedly, travelling ranks high amongst my interests. "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." (Augustine of Hippo) The arts allow me to imaginatively travel to other worlds, learn about people in different places and different times, live vicariously. Truly travelling, however, will allow me to live vibrantly. When I travel, I love to meet people who live in the place as it's such a privilege to be able to see their home through their eyes. I also love meeting other travellers and hearing their perspectives on life, listening to their interesting stories... On a regular basis, I love spending time with friendly, fun-loving and informed people. Frequently, I can also be found somehow involved in the arts as I love theatre, dance, music, literature and art. Above all, I enjoy having new experiences! My wanderlust is the fruit of my thirst for adventure and hunger for knowledge!

I shall share with you a poem I've written:

"I Want to Lose my Luggage"

I want to lose my luggage.
It needs to lose some weight.
It threatens to break apart
From the weight of broken hearts.
It’s full with expectation
Promising dissatisfaction
It’s bursting at the seams
Due to too tight schedules.
I confess: I’ve overpacked.
I don’t dare declare, however,
That I carry tears of regret
Exceeding the liquid limit
By more than just a bit,
Smoke bombs of indecision
That stir up much confusion,
A hoard of contraband leather
Made from unmade tough decisions,
Flammables of damned desires,
Sharps that trigger bad memories,
Aerosols for comfort zones,
A radioactive complacency,
And gateway drugs to escapism
That won’t pass the lie detector.
I’ve hidden fears and insecurities
But I fear they won’t pass security.

I need to repack my luggage.
I’m only taking my basics
In my new, expandable backpack.
I’m only packing curiosity,
Courage, compassion, creativity,
And adding a backup plan,
In case of an emergency.
I'm leaving lots of space
For great stories
Discoveries,
Fresh friendships,
Strangers’ kindness
Surprises,
Spontaneity,
And serendipity.
No more lugging luggage
And no more dragging feet.

I want to discover
Our world, and
The person I could be.
I am travelling light;
My adventure takes flight.

Music, Movies, and Books

I have so many that I love but I'd list just a sample.

Music: Indie (Rock), Christian Pop, Alternative, Acoustic, Instrumental, Soft Rock e.g. Of Monsters and Men, Stars, Casting Crowns, Damien Rice, Jason Mraz, Hans Zimmer, Arctic Monkeys etc.

Movies: (Psychological) Thrillers, Art films, Sci-fi, Inspirational, Dance-flicks, Comedies e.g. Shutter Island, In the Mood for Love, Interstellar, Facing the Giants, The Cup, Step-Up, Groundhog day etc.

Books: Poetry, Plays, Novels, Philosophy, History, Religion e.g. 'As I Walked Out One Evening' by W. H. Auden, 'The Pillowman' by Martin McDonagh, The Piano Tuner by Daniel Mason, Philosophy of Religion by Rowe, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis etc.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Helpx: working on an organic farm, a bird farm and a stable.

Teach, Learn, Share

I would like to consider myself a student of the world; I wish to learn as much as possible every day of my life as I thoroughly enjoy learning. I also enjoy teaching and have a passion for education. I've taught formally (in public schools, in Sunday School, in Drama/Dance enrichment schools, as a volunteer and as a tuition teacher) and informally. After I graduate, I will be teaching English and English Literature in a High School. That's probably not what you'll want me to teach you so let's see what your interests are. If you like dancing, let's dance together and learn from each other; I do lindyhop, ballroom, Latin, and hiphop. In general, I love learning new things and am happy to teach whatever I can. Regardless where and when, I will continue to be an avid learner and ardent teacher.

What I Can Share with Hosts

My sincere gratitude and friendship.
I can give you treats and some less tangible things.
I can share my culture, stories, skills and insights.
I can almost guarantee that we'll have an enjoyable and enriching time together. So far, my hosts and guests do. ;)

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Singapore, United Kingdom