CURRENT MISSION

My mission is to continue learning about other cultures by extensive travel.

ABOUT ME

I graduated in 2019 with a doctorate in education from Indiana University focusing on reading (young adult literature), critical thinking and digital literacies. My journey to this point has taken me all over the world. I lived in London from August 1993 to May 1994 and Kyoto, Japan from July 2001 to April 2006 when I moved to Melbourne. From there, I spent a year in Malaysia and a year in Dubai. In addition, I have travelled to over 40 countries and love experiencing diverse cultures. Along with this, I enjoy taking photos and have exhibited in LA, London, and Japan.
I returned to the U.S. in 2010 to continue my education. Finished my masters degree in 2011 and my Ed.D in 2019.

PHILOSOPHY

I want to be more open to what our world has to offer. I live my life to interact with different types of people. Even if we don't get along, we can still learn from each other.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've been a CS member for a lot of years and have both hosted and been hosted. I'm always up for showing people around and/or giving tips on things to do. There is also a local CS group and we have organized local outings.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I hosted while I was living overseas, but until recently, didn't really couch surf - stayed with some great people in Kentucky while I was there to see Neil Gaiman. I have stayed in all types of hostels and guest houses, giving me the chance to meet lots of people.
Am also involved in the local CS group.

Interests

My main interests are teaching, photography, and travel (combining these puts me in a really nice mood). I also like walks along streams, reading, movies, and fine dining. I'm not bad in the kitchen either.

• photography
• education
• dining
• fine dining
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite movies are Shaun of the Dead and Harold and Maude. Favorite book is Being Peace, and I love reading YA. Music taste is pretty eclectic - enjoy classic rock, modern rock, world, classical....

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Most amazing thing was jumping out of an airplane in Cuba. The view of the coastline and reef was beyond description. Also the feeling of floating to earth was surreal.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can give photo lessons and possible ESL lessons.
As always, I want to learn about other cultures (am open to new things).

What I Can Share with Hosts

Advice on things to do in and around Bloomington, travel stories, a good home cooked meal.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Romania, Scotland, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Japan, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

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