Currently an expat living in India and Thailand since 2016.
Mode of transportation: a Leap of Faith.
Left a traditional life and traditional job in New Orleans, LA (born and raised) to live an unconventional dream and see the world while living my passion as a yoga teacher. For the last four years: living in monasteries and ashrams high in the the Himalayas; most recently teaching yoga teacher training in the islands of Southern Thailand; currently back in India since the COVID-19 lockdown in March. I am returning to the States to re-merge into Western society using all the of the life lessons I have learned in the East. Looking for a place to land until I can find a community and secure housing.

Couchsurfing has been such a beautiful experiment in generosity for me. I am always humbled at the kindness of strangers. After four years of living and traveling Southeast Asia, my next adventure will include re-integrating back into the US. I come from the absolute best city in America (IMO) - New Orleans is the pinnacle of food, music and diverse people - and although I am a native Louisianian, it will be a new experience for me to be returning with "new eyes" and new perspectives, and in many ways like a rebirth. I grew up on the Northshore (Covington/Mandeville) and definitely know, that I belong in more diversity that the actual city offers instead of the suburbs. I prefer to be around open-minded and open-hearted people who have a zest for enjoying life and coloring outside the lines.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Originally joined as a backpacker making my way thru India. I don't use Couchsurfing very often but when going to new cities its been an incredible resource to meet new friends, and of course, the generous hospitality of people still humbles me to all of the good still in this world. I am really grateful that forums like this exist.

Note: Currently looking to repatriate back to the USA since the COVID-19 lockdown in India has left in isolation for going on 3 months. Working with the US Embassy to be evacuated, hopefully as early as 11 May. I am sincerely seeking a friendly place to stay in New Orleans until I can find permanent accommodation. I am a legal resident of Louisiana, but have no actual residence there as I have been in India/Thailand continuously for 4 years. I am clean, quiet and self-sufficient and will be so very grateful for hospitality after the past 3 months of living through the "crisis" here (which can most accurately be compared to re-living through Hurricane Katrina).
I can contribute as much or as little as requested by the host (I am a cook and would be delighted to exchange meals for bed:)

Interests

Living with women (lay women and monks) in a Buddhist Nunnery changed my life forever and gave me the greatest appreciation for female friendships and a sisterhood that I have never experienced before. It was truly the Divine Feminine that was my greatest personal healing and teaching over the past four years.

• womens rights
• chocolate
• coffee
• vegetarian
• yoga
• movies
• music
• neuroscience
• psychology
• nature
• people
• exploring
• kindness
• foodie
• sharing stories
• gender equality
• foodies
• yoga and meditation
• humans rights
• cajun food

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Nahko & Medicine For The People, Trevor Hall, Xavier Rudd, Rising Appalachia, Indigo Girls, Krishna Das, Dj DREZ, Bob Dylan, The Doors, Matisyahu, Lindsey Stirling, Sublime, Classical music, Blues, Jazz Music, Classical Music, allllll music

Books: Dear Sugar (Cheryl Strayed), Bhagavad Gita, Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand), Autobiography of a Yogi (Paramahamsa Yogandanda), Love Warrior (Glennon Doyle Melton), Eat, Pray, Love (Liz Gilbert), The War of Art (Steven Pressfield), The Prophet (Khalil Gibran), The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F&ck (Mark Manson)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

~lived in a Hindu Ashram as a full time resident and teacher
~lived in a Buddhist Monastery (Nunnery) as a full time resident and Head Cook for an order of female monks
~watched a sea turtle laying her eggs on the beach in Goa, India
~survived being hit by a rickshaw in Mumbai
~hiked to the top of a mountain in the Himalayas - by myself!

Teach, Learn, Share

Yoga and Pilates Instructor, Studied Neuroscience and Psychology at Tulane University, Passionate Cook (it's my Love Language), Generally helpful (not so much with spiders though) and eager to learn new ways to be in the world.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories, Knowledge, Friendship

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, French Polynesia, India, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

India, Thailand, United States