CURRENT MISSION

To experience life firsthand, go places, meet new people, eat new cuisine, try new activities, and see daily life around the world. I want to experience culture in action.

ABOUT ME

I am a musician, equestrian, teacher, vegetarian, and I can't wait to see the world! I'm spontaneous and free so I'm getting myself out there as much as I can so I can travel the world.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love traveling so I take any opportunity I can find to go somewhere new (or old!). I couchsurfed for the first time in Costa Rica during the summer of 2016. One of these days I would like to save up to couchsurf coast to coast in the US. I believe it's important to get in with the locals when you travel so you can actually experience the culture firsthand, so couchsurfing definitely makes that possible.

Interests

MUSIC: I have a degree in Music Education so music is very important to me. I love playing either traditional latin music or music of the classical/romantic eras on my flute and big band jazz on my sax. I love listening to all different types of music (reggaeton, bachata, salsa, latino music, country, world music, jazz, alternative rock, pop, indie, hip hop, rap/r&b, reggae)

HORSES: I ride and train horses for a living. I currently own a horse and have worked professionally with them for the past 14 years, including management, care, riding, teaching and training. I also do action/sports photography at horse shows as a second job.

• animals
• horses
• culture
• singing
• photography
• cooking
• vegetarian
• fitness
• traveling
• music
• jazz
• latin music
• world music
• equestrian
• spelunking
• teaching
• science
• horse riding
• horseback riding
• vegetarian cooking

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Considering I am a musician, I love anything and everything. I love putting on Pandora and discovering new music on a daily basis. I especially love Michael Buble, Justin Nozuka, Dirty Heads, Prince Royce, Marc Anthony, Ecuadorian music (especially from the Andes region) and really any Latin music makes me especially happy.

Movies: A Beautiful Mind, About a Boy, Alita, Amelie, Avatar, The Chronicles of Riddick, Divergent Series, The Darjeeling Limited, Flicka, The Illusionist, Jailhouse Rock, Ladder 49, The Lion King, Requiem for a Dream, Schindler's List, Slumdog Millionaire

Books: Where the Red Fern Grows, A Child Called "It", Tracks

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Stood at the top of an active volcano in Quito, Ecuador. Ziplined through the cloud forests of Ecuador and Costa Rica. Went spelunking and repelling 250 feet below the Earth's surface in Northern California. Swam a mile across a freezing lake 10,000 feet above sea level just to see if I could actually do it. Met Michael Bublé, planted trees, rescued a horse going to slaughter, donated blood and rode an elephant. Performed at the season opener for the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in front of 67,000 people. Hung off the side of a galloping horse (trick riding)

Teach, Learn, Share

I can definitely teach you a lot about music, horses, and how to cook a good vegetarian or greek dish. :)

I want to learn anything and everything you have to offer. I'm a great listener and I'm very intrigued by people's knowledge, culture and experiences.

As for sharing? I not only have knowledge to share, but time as well. If you want someone to show you around the Chicagoland/Milwaukee area, I'm your girl. And if you like horses or want to ride one, I have a horse!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love giving horseback riding lessons! I own a horse so if you want to learn, I would be happy to teach you.

I love teaching music too so if you want to learn how to read music or sing or play the flute or anything, I am up for sharing my love of music with you.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Greece, Mexico, Panama

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ecuador, United States