"The more we restrict ourselves, the more resourceful we become." This quote really defines me. Minimalism has become a way of life ever since I decided to get out of my comfort zone nearly three years ago.

After a career as a city hall communication manager in France, and a long-time avocation as a blues radio DJ, I moved to the US in the summer of 2015. I went back to school to study African-American music. I received my MA in folklore from UNC-Chapel Hill in May 2017. Since then, I have been pursuing a career as a "public folklorist" and travel the world. My long-term career goals are the documentation, promotion and preservation of indigenous, authentic and emergent forms of culture around the globe.

I wrote my thesis on the interplay of Southern Gothic literature/Grit Lit and Southern music, blues in particular. I did extensive fieldwork in Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia and North Carolina for two years, recording hours of interviews and music. This is really what I love to do.

In my spare time, I like playing the guitar and listening to a lot of music. I'm a huge Roger Federer fan and love to play some tennis anytime I get the chance. I enjoy reading (mostly memoirs and historical fiction), going to the movies (comedy, thriller) and attending music concerts.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm always up for traveling, discovering new places and meeting all kinds of people, sharing our cultures! In the last two years, I've had the chance to visit the Mississippi Delta twice, Tennessee (Memphis, Tennessee), Georgia (Milledgeville)... and of course North Carolina, where I've been living since 2015. I am enamored with the Appalachian Mountains (Blue Ridge) Asheville...

Last summer I was in New York State for a summer internship at the ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes, then moved back to North Carolina for another internship with Music Maker, a nonprofit that helps African American musicians to meet their needs. I recently moved to Nashville to seek more professional opportunities. In the meantime, I spend a lot of time on the road, always willing to meet new people and expand my horizon. I just came back from Chicago where I had a blast with my host and the vibrant CS community there.

My first Couchsurfing experience dates back in 2009, in Washington D.C. I met other people for a drink and for a mooncake party. As a host, I was pleased to welcome in my hometown, Lille, France, an English troubadour, Sam, who came with his guitar and played some blues with me. I also welcomed a Russian girl backpacking Europe. I tried to learn her language, but wow, that was tough.

Interests

Listening to music (blues, jazz, 60s-70s rock), Playing the guitar, reading and writing., going to the movies and to concerts... Playing tennis.

• literature
• blues
• tennis

Music, Movies, and Books

There are so many! I'm currently reading "Natchez Burning" by Greg Iles.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Seeing Buddy Guy playing his club in Chicago (2018). Playing tennis on the center court of the 1000 Miami Open (2017). Taking pictures of grizzly bears just a few feet away in Vancouver, Canada (2006).

Teach, Learn, Share

I can share my French culture and my experiences. If you want to learn some French, or some guitar, I'm game.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, England, France, Greece, Morocco, Spain, Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, United States

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