I am a primary school teacher and textile artist, passionate about permaculture and creativity. I've been living in Kaikoura for the last year, but I'm about to move to Otautahi (Christchurch) to start my next project, setting up a horticulture programme in a school.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I was introduced to couchsurfing while travelling around Australia waaay back in 2008. It just made so much sense to me and I loved meeting locals and sharing meals, stories and advice with them. Since then I have hosted many travelers in my homes and I'm also part of warmshowers.org (its like couchsurfing for cycle tourists, check it out!). I'm here to continually be part of the hospitality that is vital for a healthy travelling community.

Interests

Art & music of almost every type, acrobatics, travel, getting off the beaten track, hiking, cycling, learning Te Reo Maori, organic gardening, yoga and meditation keep me sane. I play ukulele and love jamming with others. I used to read a lot but not so much any more, I like drinking cups of tea with interesting folk...

• arts
• writing
• design
• illustrations
• dancing
• cooking
• baking
• vegetarian
• yoga
• meditation
• drinking
• gardening
• traveling
• painting
• drawing
• music
• guitar
• cycling
• hiking
• track and field
• teaching
• medicine

Music, Movies, and Books

Lately I have been reading 'The Energy of Prayer' by Thich Nhat Hanh, I love his writing. I don't read many novels, I enjoy non-fiction in the science/psychology/spirituality realms. My taste in music and movies is too varied to list, but at the moment I'm really enjoying the tunes of Cloud Cult.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Most recently, a 10 day tramp through Kahurangi National Park, where we spent our days walking down rivers, through forests and over mountains without seeing any other humans - utterly magical.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have devoted a lot of time to learning to draw and paint, so I'd love to share these skills! Also yoga ,meditation, nonviolent communication, bread baking and other vegetarian cooking, gardening knowledge.

I love learning new dance moves, and how to play uke and guitar...

What I Can Share with Hosts

I appreciate taking time to connect with my hosts/surfers, however it happens - sharing a meal, chatting over a cup of tea, or doing yoga together in the garden. Taking time to share our stories, knowledge and experience is what makes couchsurfing awesome!

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, New Zealand