CURRENT MISSION

To make the world a better, happier place :) and to pass along all the kindness and love I've received from CS hosts so far

ABOUT ME

I moved to Hyde Park in 2011 for grad school. It's an awesome neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, with a strong academic community and easy access to the lake front path. I don't get outside much when I'm working on my dissertation, but I try to run or bike to the lake every day. The lakefront path is one of the best things that Chicago has to offer! I am a Christian but not judgmental or preachy. I believe in love, forgiveness, and generosity.

PHILOSOPHY

Everyone deserves respect, and people are generally good. Do unto others as you would have them do to you.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I used to host and surf. My schedule is less regular these days. I am often traveling to see my husband. When I am in one place again, I hope to host.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I started doing CouchSurfing before I ever heard of the site, back when crashing with a stranger was considered a little shady among my peers. I always had a great time, but I'm glad this site is up now. My first proper CouchSurf was in March 2007 during a trip to Spain. I hosted my first guest shortly after returning. My life has been enriched.

Interests

music, running for fitness and exploration, (almost) all forms of art, tea, beer and wine (an important part of cultural exchange), bourbon and coke, getting lost in a new city just to find my way back, the beach, people completely unlike me, dancing, people exactly like me(haven't met one yet and it is my "interest" to see one), cooking, learning new recipes, Arrested Development

• fish
• arts
• dancing
• cooking
• recipes
• wine
• beer
• fitness
• running
• boating
• technology
• traveling
• music
• cycling
• fishing
• emergency services
• mathematics
• tourism
• ecotourism
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

I am currently reading the Lonely Planet guide to the Trans Siberian Railway.

I like all kinds of media: artistic, funny, romantic, documentary, Almodovar(!!). Musically speaking, I love the Beatles, jazz, blues, bluegrass, classical, and old rock. I listen to almost everything, though.Books: Heart of Darkness, Pride and Prejudice, the Harry Potters, trashy romance novels that always end in a marriage proposal, Rick Steves' travel guides, Gulliver's Travels, 1984, dictionaries (I don't read much for pleasure lately, it's all school books). I'm open to trading books with you, it's something I do when I travel around. So, if you've just finished some really cool book, and wanna recommend it to someone else, and swap it for a new one, I'm up for it.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I went white water rafting on the Parquare River before it was dammed, back when ecotourism in Costa Rica was just starting to become popular. We only had 3 people and a guide in our 8 person boat. Actually, I think anything you can see or do in Costa Rica is pretty amazing, but I don't want the whole world to know, because tourism's already on the rise there, which detracts from the country's charm.I am currently seeing the amazing things that come from the couchsurfing community. My bag was stolen with all my things related to my identity and all of my technology. My host in Bari, Daniele, went out of his way to help me search the area, to find the police, and gave me everything I needed. I was offered a place to crash in Rome almost the instant that I posted my plea on the group page. My future hosts in Catania and Florence were so kind to help me figure out where to have my new credit cards mailed, and have been helping me arrange everything else, like buying a new camera. I am still so amazed that strangers are so kind to me, for absolutely no reason. I am certainly inspired by this experience to pass it along, and seek out travellers in need as well. :)

Teach, Learn, Share

Leave a tip, even in Europe, even if it's small.'No means yes in Czech.Always pack more underwear than you expect to need. It doesn't take up much room, and you'll be glad to have that extra pair when you find you can't do laundry at the last minute.Leave a thank you note.Fish and guest start to smell after three days, unless they shower often and wash the dishes. (We have a dishwasher to help us all circumvent this issue.) If you don't leave a thank you note, at least leave a reference.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share lively discussion and I can teach math (though WHY would you want that?!). I'm a fairly handy cook, specializing in Southern (US) cuisine.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Azerbaijan, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Honduras, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Russian Federation, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Russian Federation, Spain, United States

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