CURRENT MISSION

To see the world and experience as many cultures and languages as possible..."I want to take the world to bed with me before I die." -Allen Ginsberg

ABOUT ME

2023: I am an international school teacher and have been for the last decade or so. This experience has paved the way for so many adventures I otherwise would not have had. Life abroad is not always glamourous, but I am grateful for the opportunity to do what I do, to meet who I have met, for the adventures I have had, still always choosing the least trodden path : )

What I wrote in 2008 when I joined CS all of which is still true!:
I like to have fun. I harbor a special love for Barcelona and french cheese. I love looking up and seeing a sky full of stars atop a beautiful lush isolated mountain and eating wild strawberries and mint. I'm not too fond of driving or gas prices and bike it or go 'à pied' most of the time. I love books. All kinds. I love sitting by canals..early in the morning...watching the sunrise..I love the smell of the sea salt air and one day would like to meet a seahorse.

PHILOSOPHY

2008: Pourquoi pas? became my motto when I was in France and I'm sticking to it. So many aberrations and little loopholes and inordinate ideas-I had to follow suit and just say 'why not?'. I had many great adventures this way. If something happens that wasn't in your plan, go with it! It might take you somewhere you've always wanted to go!
2023: Still saying why not and it never disappoints : )

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet like-minded people. I've been backpack travelling for a couple of decades and my favorite things in travelling are the connections and life-long friendships I've made with others around the world. This connection and understanding is unlike any other and is absolutely irreplaceable.

Interests

2008: Books,music-making it and listening, playing piano, painting in my studio whilst sipping red wine, speaking french, crosswords, biking, hiking, water-the drinking kind and the swimming kind. Flip-flops and minimal clothing. Cat-5 wire and broken pieces of glass. Getting lost in nature, eating whole foods, umbrellas in my drinks, barefeet on grass covered with morning dew, natural lights and flavors and smiling eyes.

2023: Yes to all of the above. My passion for wine has grown and I have wwoofed in vineyards and done solo bike tours through some of the most beautiful wine regions in Europe and in South Africa, exploring, tasting, talking, getting to know all what makes each wine so unique.

• cats
• books
• cooking
• wine
• red wine
• cheese
• yoga
• reading
• painting
• music
• piano
• cycling
• hiking
• swimming
• teaching
• history
• languages
• travel
• sustainability
• museums

Music, Movies, and Books

2008: I don't watch that many films-but I do enjoy those of 'la nouvelle vague' era. music-all over the place-i'm typically an acoustic folk sorta rock girl but i also love girls that can rock out on the ivories and some silly pop music that gets stuck in my head...Books!! 2 favorite authors are Kundera and Vonnegut. Period.

2023: In 2008 there was no Netflix. Meaning I watch a lot more films now. I still opt for foreign films, though I try to limit my screen time and keep Netflix watching to a minimum.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

2008: So many things!! I think moving to a foreign country (France) without knowing anyone there was a pretty amazing adventure...
2023: International school teaching is an adventure. I'd love to tell you about it!

Teach, Learn, Share

2008: I started a bit of rock climbing while in France and would like to continue this endeavor with anyone else who is interested! I would need some lessons, though. I can swap you some language tricks...I seem to have a knack for them..
2023: Gardening, wine-growing / tasting. I've got sommelier plans for myself : )

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm a great cook (vegan food) and having lived in so many places has opened up my palate to so many flavors and new recipes that I can share!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Latvia, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Latvia, Rwanda, Spain, Uganda, United States, Viet Nam

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