CURRENT MISSION

To embrace all of the exciting events - travel, grandchildren and heaps of special celebrations

ABOUT ME

Retired from a not for profit organisation. Married to Chris (42 years ) who is a retired IT project manager. Immediate family size is 18 members which includes 10 grandchildren. Sharing with family is a top priority. Love: Australia; the diversity of people throughout the world; our home; making food for good appetites; all aspects of travel; music and dancing; laughter; reading, good health and creativity. Have had such positive experiences through couchsurfing both hosting and being hosted.

PHILOSOPHY

Norma - no matter what happens I will handle it. Be generous with others who need a lift or support and the reward will be one of the best feelings in the world.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Chris (65 yo) - A passionate, old muso who has diverse taste in music and who always dominates the choice of music played in our home. He is a member of community choirs that he truly loves. Creating presentations on DVDs (that includes background music) of our holidays. He always puts lots of energy into organising travel, particularly overseas. He values fitness, including gym and road bike riding and going out to dinner together once a week. Drinking a 'perfect coffee' is prime, and a very good red wine a few times a week.

I(Norma) am a positive person overall. Love shopping at recycled clothing shops and being with family. I am chatty, Love beautiful days, helping those less fortunate, unpretentious people, Australia, and making people laugh. Am constantly inspired by peoples' thoughtfullness and generous spirit. Participate in both formal and informal volunteering. Currently I visit a ladies who live is in aged care facility who do not have any family and I also help out at a local community centre. My life has been enriched by meeting a wide variety of people and since I started travelling overseas 8 years ago. I value health and fitness and have a passion for fresh foods but enjoy sweet treats.

Chris and I have a good life and are privileged to have met many fabulous people both here in Australia and overseas through couch surfing when we go on holiday with our camper trailer.

Our 3 grown up children and their well suited partners, along with our 10 magical grandchildren are very much a major part of our lives.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

We have hosted and surfed many times and all have been rich experiences. When we surf we are reminded of our responsibility to be exceptional hosts. However, we do not like to host people who do not respect our home or lives. Our home is close to public transport, shopping and the airport. Warning: This is not the place for you to stay if you expect us to clean up after you and provide all your meals while you are here. One of the constants is to keep up-to-date on 'What's new' in Melbourne and Victoria.

Interests

People, music, travel, family, especially grandchildren, good nutrition and fitness, live shows, good wine and current events.

• dancing
• dining
• wine
• red wine
• coffee
• fitness
• drinking
• shopping
• clothing
• reading
• traveling
• music
• cycling
• camping
• surfing

Music, Movies, and Books

Norma - Fav book is A Fortunate Life by A B Facey - a must read, Aussie classic. Generally read the majority are from Australia,UK and Canada. However, keep my ears and eyes open for books that are recommended are a 'must read'. Proud of the quality of the Aussie movies and actors and favourite overall mover is Dead Poets Society. Love music everything from Bach to Sam Sparrow. Chris - Fav author James Clavell, Fav music - Eagles, Fav movie - does not have one

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Norma- been married for 43 years and helped to create wonderful children

Teach, Learn, Share

Always respect the people who open up their home for you. Show your appreciation by offering to lend a hand. Should you be invited to share a meal with family offer to contribute something to the meal. Should you stay a few days, take your hosts out for a meal as it is showing your appreciation. Leave your room as you found it. Should you stay here, please do a review.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia

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