Hi, my name is Rachael. I live in South London with my boyfriend. I enjoy living in London and have done so for the best part of 10 years. I am half way through a medical degree at St Georges University of London. Until recently I was working as a support worker for those with substance misuse and mental heath problems, young people and homeless people. I'm a friendly and inquisitive person who wants, in any small way, to help others live happier, healthier lives.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Initially for selfish reasons, as I want to visit a few amazing cities on a budget and I used the service once before with a friend in Belgium and had a fab time- our host was helpful and very welcoming.

In the future I would like to host, but unfortunately I share a small 1 bed flat with my boyfriend and we don't have any space or a camp bed at the moment.

Interests

In my spare time I take advantage of the diverse cultural experiences London has to offer including art, museums, music, theatres, festivals, etc. I guess socialising with friends in London's fine selection of drinking holes is a hobby- I certainly do a lot of that! I enjoy playing as well as watching music and making art as well as looking at it. I'm a voracious reader and like to garden and cook. I'm an active person who cycles, swims and plays tennis (sometimes, when it's sunny). I also love the great outdoors and take any opportunity to venture into the wilderness to hike/camp/surf/horseride etc. I have recently started learning French- I am a beginner and it's hard.. but enjoying the challenge. I have been involved with raising money for some fantastic charities in the past including The British Red Cross, Headway, Marie Curie and Oxfam. My family and friends are very important to me. That sums it up basically... oh, and I like to travel and learn about people and the world!

• dogs
• arts
• festivals
• cooking
• drinking
• gardening
• traveling
• eating out
• music
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• camping
• tennis

Music, Movies, and Books

It's a long and fluctuating list. We can talk about that when we meet.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Once I picked up a baby bat that flew near our fire when camping and put it in a wall- it was gone in the morning. It was tiny and very soft.

Teach, Learn, Share

I like to converse with people about everything and anything!
I can teach flute.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Good company and conversation (I hope) and if possible a toast with your local brew! I could spout on about a number of obscure subjects like how dogs and humans communicate or how the morphology of human teeth have evolved, but that is NOT mandatory.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Madagascar, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United Kingdom