CURRENT MISSION

Survive and thrive in the Eternal City

ABOUT ME

I'm a hard-working single mamma of a 13-year-old boy, and I'd probably describe myself as bookish, introverted, sweet, nurturing, laid-back and a little silly.
I'm American but have lived most of my adult life in Rome.
I spend most of my time trying to meet the challenges of paying my rent and raising my son. Someday I hope to travel and engage in more creative work, but at the moment I am very much focused on the corner of the world where I live. But it's a fascinating place; even the palm of the hand can contain worlds.
I work as a tour guide and a translator, and don't mind dispensing free advice and synonyms if asked.
I love sharing stories and experiences.

PHILOSOPHY

I consider myself a secular humanist. I strongly believe that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives and I embrace reason, ethics, and justice as the basis of morality and decision-making.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Right now I am inundated with requests to host. Although everyone seems lovely, I am accepting very few...I really need to be picky and also figure out how much/how many guests are not too disruptive to our routine and peace of mind.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I am a CouchSurfing novice, but after hearing so many good things from friends, I decided to give it a whirl.
I am friendly and curious about meeting people from around the world, and I like feeling useful. I am truly a bit of a mother-hen at heart.

Interests

Art, architecture, archeology, history, anthropology, literature, languages, ideas and learning new things...all these make my world go round.
I also love cooking, picnics, exploring new places, great conversations, listening to NPR.
The connections between languages and cultures and our sense of belonging fascinate me.

• arts
• culture
• literature
• architecture
• ethics
• cooking
• traveling
• socializing
• drawing
• anthropology
• archeology
• history
• languages
• tourism

Music, Movies, and Books

I love good movies, from art-house to period sci-fi.
Books: I will read anything from existential philosophy and 19th century poetry to Stephen King and packaging labels. I've a special place in my heart for great novels.
Music: pretty broad tastes here too, though I mostly stay away from mainstream.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Not to put too fine of a point on it, but being a struggling single mom in this country has been a pretty amazing ride.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach Italian, English, cooking, and have a lot to share about Italian history and daily life and contemporary culture (as seen through the eyes of an American). I also draw portraits!
I would like to learn Spanish. And French.

Countries I’ve Visited

Egypt, Finland, France, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, United States