CURRENT MISSION

Become bilingual.

ABOUT ME

My friend once wrote in my birthday card that I'm a "cup half full" kinda person and I guess she's right... I'm a born again optimist and these days I'm always busy doing something, whether it's socialising, keeping fit, reading, or lending solidarity to a campaign.

I live a vegan lifestyle and I'm a big believer in respect and being kind to people and our animal friends. Learning about Buddhism has helped me out at some points in my life and I should really meditate more. Religion and culture, anecdotes and human experiences fascinate me.

Politically, I'm probably eco-socialist, or some variation. I'm not really big in labels, as I think the 'left movements(s)' in the UK can already be quite sectarian when we should be working together!

I'm a shop steward at work and in my spare time, I love keeping fit, reading and socialising. I enjoy learning about history, politics, health and culture.

Not sure what else to write... But if you think we have some things in common, drop me a message.

PHILOSOPHY

"Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty."
Albert Einstein

"My idea of feminism is self-determination, and it's very open-ended: every woman has the right to become herself, and do whatever she needs to do."
Ani Difranco

"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense."
Buddha

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Happy to make friends, give advice and show people around the city. or even just to chat.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

My friend _CB_ introduced me to this site... I'll admit, being strapped of cash has meant that I haven't had much chance to use it for my own travels. Maybe this year I'll try it out.

Interests

Buddhism, feminism, socialism, queer politics, anti-capitalism, anarchism, human rights, environmentalism, nature, music, festivals, compassion, hugs, dancing, meditation, reading, world cinema, travel, friendship, animal rights, existentialism, keeping fit, running, politics, religion, culture, art, socialising

• animals
• arts
• culture
• beauty
• festivals
• dancing
• human rights
• womens rights
• recipes
• vegan
• running
• meditation
• shopping
• politics
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• buddhist
• history
• religion

Music, Movies, and Books

About music... I like protest songs, roots reggae, punk, ska, psytrance, rock, folk, dance (not house), 'world music', plus anything else interesting.

Film... I enjoy all types of film, though currently have a zombie obsession. I also love political cinema, gritty realistic films and animation.

Books... I don't read a lot of fiction (apart from maybe Zola or Kafka), but philosophy and politics, or books on religion and culture. Some books I'd recommend are Sister Outsider (essays by Audre Lorde), Nausea (fiction by Sarte), Down and Out in Paris and London (Orwell's best I reckon), Hardcore Zen (Brad Warner) and Homage to Catelonia (Orwell again).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

_CB_ (from my friends list, she made me write this)

Teach, Learn, Share

I can help you improve your English?

I'm vegan, so can show you some recipes, or clue you up on plant powered lifestyles! Being an ex shop steward/union rep has broadened my knowledge of employment issues and politics.

I know a little about Buddhism, plus can take you somewhere to meditate. I know some things about environmental issues and have a degree in human rights... Some of my friends tend to come to me with questions on feminist and LGBTQ issues, so I guess they consider me to be knowledgable there.

I love to meet people from other places to share culture. If you like, I can try and find some "typically British" things to do.

Countries I’ve Visited

Germany, Nepal, Netherlands, Qatar, Spain, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United Kingdom

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