Hi! I'm an East Coast chick looking to expand my American horizons after a decade of international travel. I have lived and worked in New Zealand (two years), England (one year), Wales (one year), and France (one summer). I've also spent time in Spain, Germany and Ireland, as well as Canada and Puerto Rico. I am a Journalism major from NYU and have worked at a glass studio for the past four years. I live and work with my boyfriend - a second-genertion glassblower since age 9 - at our home/studio, a converted dairy barn, in New York State's beautiful Hudson Valley.

My dad was one of the "original hippies" (according to him, lol) and backpacked/hitchhiked across most of the globe in the '50s and '60s, including large swaths of the Middle East which are now inaccessible to most travelers. My mom and aunt were Peace Corps volunteers who worked in Sierra Leone and Afghanistan, respectively. Both my sets of grandparents were European emigrants and my parents made sure to instill in me a love and passion for traveling when I was very young.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Westward ho!

...Despite lots of "no way," "you're crazy," and "WTF is wrong with you?" comments, I have decided to hitchhike through my next travel adventure! I believe that taking risks (within reason) pays off, and in the fundamentally good nature of all human beings. I much prefer to share my journey with other people than to sequester myself away on a Greyhound bus or plane.

I am trying to make it out to the West Coast, ultimately either PDX or San Diego, CA - but would love to make as many pit stops and sidetrails as possible! I haven't seen much beyond the two coasts and I'd like to change that.

I plan on generally heading southwest to avoid some of the unusually cold weather in the northern states. I do not have a set itinerary so I am flexible when it comes to a route and where to stay. I would prefer not to have to camp as I need to keep my safety in mind. So if you have a spare futon, closet, yoga mat, etc...I'd love to meet up with you and swap stories! (I have lots.) :)

Interests

I have been practicing Bikram yoga since 2005 and have taken classes all across the world. I also have a background in competitive gymnastics and contemporary dance.

I am a freelance model in NYC, when I'm not traveling. (You generally need to be rested and well-bathed to model.) (I do bathe when I'm traveling, I'm just saying.) (You know.)

• coloring
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• vegetarian
• vegan
• yoga
• dieting
• modeling
• shopping
• traveling
• camping
• cave diving
• whitewater rafting
• scuba diving
• bungee jumping
• skydiving
• gymnastics
• swimming
• freelancing
• journalism

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In 2006, about a year after I graduated from NYU, I uprooted my entire life and, on a whim, moved to New Zealand with nothing but a duffel bag, a working holiday visa and $2K in my bank account. I knew absolutely no one and was basically just jumping and trusting the parachute would open. Once there I immediately made friends and had some really life-changing experiences. I am so glad I took that chance to venture out from my comfort zone. (I also went skydiving, bungee jumping, cave diving, scuba diving, abseiling, whitewater rafting, river sledging, and Zorbing...as if I hadn't taken enough risks already!)

Teach, Learn, Share

Glassblowing lessons; see below.

I'm a really enthusiastic cook and baker and will always be more than happy to help out in the kitchen to whatever degree necessary. I'm also vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free friendly and can create meals to fit any diet.

I've also lived in NYC for 5+ years and can assist in planning your trip to the city including itinerary tips, cheap lodging and dining options, invites to social events, etc.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I work with my partner, Luke, at his family's glassblowing studio in upstate NY. We always welcome new students for a weekend intensive or longer-term lessons. We can offer you housing and meals in our home for the duration of your stay. We'll keep you fed, watered and entertained. :) Our studio includes clear and cobalt furnaces, a cold-working station, glory hole, two annealers, and a full range of frit and color. We also offer lessons at our shop and gallery in Beacon, NY. Please visit www.hudsonbeachglass.com for more information.

Nearby we have access to a gorgeous cabin on Whaley Lake with a functional dock and canoes, several rail trails including the Walkway Over The Hudson, swimming holes, and plenty of camping opportunities. We are an easy train ride from NYC and also spend a lot of time during the summer in Woodstock (the original Woodstock!).

Countries I’ve Visited

Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, France, New Zealand, Wales