▶ CURRENT MISSION

ummmm... enjoy my new home in London!

▶ ABOUT ME

haven't been on couchsurfing in years, so just refreshing this profile! always happy to meet up, and might be able to host once i finish unpacking my room 😂

A bit nomadic atm, newly based in London, but wandering around a lot. l'd been a student for years, researching alternative housing and sustainable cities; currently starting a business developing housing and worker co-operatives, so my days are spent thinking a lot about the wonderfully mundane realities of working together, the as-it-turns-out evils of urban planning, people-centred economies, and human behaviour in general.

I'd say I'm generally easy-going, apparently spontaneous, extremely curious, and rather idealistic. Ice cream is a favorite of mine, and I'll seek it out wherever I go. Ice cream, and hot chocolate. I love long discussions---about anything. Let's talk!

Also, I laugh a lot. Really. It's been terrible for my brother, because now he's convinced he's hilarious (which he is, to me), but when I'm not around, I worry about his self-esteem.

(I also find that I use parentheses a lot when writing.)

▶ PHILOSOPHY

"Be safe, but take lots of risks." (advice from a friend)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

It's a perfect way to help make the world a friendlier, more inviting place, and a great way to meet people from all over. Understanding is key to getting along!

I heap praise on CS, talking about it with everyone I meet when traveling (and not) -- and I've successfully brought several newcomers into the mix.

▶ COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

so many great experiences!! mostly from ages ago, but looking forward to getting back into it :)

Years and years ago I couchsurfed in Paris, and it was the best decision of the trip! Pascale was a wonderful host, and spending time with her and her friends made my time in France extraordinary.

In Prague, I was invited to dinner with two fellow couchsurfers, and it was a lively and entertaining evening that I didn't want to end.

Copenhagen...rocks! I almost couldn't tear myself away from my new friends, and now 6 years later, one of them has just had a baby(!) so I've got to go and visit soon!

Couchsurfed in Venice and Patras with some of the most hospitable and engaging people I've ever met.

I hosted for the first time (and 2nd, and 3rd) in Venice in June, 2011, and it was fantastic! Some absolutely hilarious and unforgettable experiences to be sure!

...and many, many more since then :)

Interests

✎ pen&paper (for drawing, writing, thinking)
🚲 bicycles (for moving, gettin' around)
🌅 time outside (for not being stuck inside all the time)
🌳 trees (for climbin', lookin' at, sittin' under)
✌ people (for talking with, cooking with, going on adventures, ...)
✍ languages (I'm pretty bad with them, but love them just the same)

and of course, 🍦 ice cream.

• writing
• make up
• cooking
• chocolate
• politics
• traveling
• socializing
• drawing
• languages
• neuroscience
• physics
• religion

Music, Movies, and Books

A few random favorites from each:

Movies: Cool Hand Luke, Pride, Annie Hall, Brazil, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Breaking Away. Aaaand, Wes Anderson films. About Time might just be my favourite ever.

Books: The Phantom Tollbooth; many things by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (an Indianapolis native!); The Stranger, The Fall (perhaps in French some day); and Dracula, of course (if you haven't read it, do---it's scary as all get-out). Also, W.H. Auden. Currently reading: Richard Yates, Rachel Carson.

Poetry of all eras and sorts.

Music: Oscar Peterson (and other jazz), weird Swedish country pop, blues, classic rock, damn near anything with a banjo or fiddle (folky stuff---I love it), and lots of others .... I don't listen enough (although traveling for hours on long train rides has changed this), so am always asking friends for new suggestions to check out. Anyone I should add to my playlist?

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Brother, I've seen some
Astonishing sights

Teach, Learn, Share

There's so much to learn! I'm terribly interested in people's views of government and politics, religion, how our brains work, social issues, and all those other highly contentious subjects. But of course, they don't have to be contentious if we approach the dialogue with the intent to improve our own mind, and not to change others'.

Also, I need to learn more languages!

I was a neuroscience and physics major in college, so I can make up stuff about the brain or space that sounds real and important (although it's probably neither).

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, United Kingdom, United States

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