CURRENT MISSION

To enjoy the wonderful world of travel before I must rejoin the world of work..

ABOUT ME

Hello there :) My name is Rachel, I'm from Brighton which I recommend as a fantastic city by the sea if you have have the chance to come and visit! I love living here as it is full of interesting and eccentric people from all walks of life.. I have been working this year in Brighton for a child and adolescent mental health service, which I have loved in many ways... However it can be very challenging at times and as it draws to a close I have decided I need some travelling in beautiful Italy as a bit of a well earned break! I love to travel more than anything, because I think its the time when i feel most alive, and most happy. I think anyone who has been lucky enough to travel probably shares my joy in the brilliance of each day being different along the way. I have never had more than a couple of months off work and studies at a time but am lucky enough to have been to countries in South America, Africa and Europe, although never for long enough! I am fairly sporty and athletic, I love music, especially stumbling upon live music or going to music festivals, as if often incorporates music with travelling.. I know its a cliche to describe myself as "open minded and easy going", but unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately I don't know, I hope that they're genuinely true adjectives to describe myself! (If not the most original!) I believe kindness is an underrated quality. I enjoy meeting likewise people who challenge me to seize the day and do things I wouldnt normally do. I love people who also like to see the positives in life - I'm a glass half full kind of gal! Part of what I also love about travelling is also attempting (though often failing) to try new languages and I would love to learn some Italian this summer. Looking forward to hearing more about many of you.

PHILOSOPHY

Live the life you love; love the life you live.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I had some great experiences of couch surfing when travelling in Brazil and Italy and I hope to offer a couch when I have my own place.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

As I said I had some great experiences of couch surfing when travelling in Brazil and Italy and was lucky enough to meet several incredibly kind and generous people who hosted me and a friend on our travels. Have also had some fantastic experiences doing similar things in the past such as student exchanges to France, Germany and New York through which have made friends for life. Stayed with friends of friends in Venice and had a much better time by being shown round by locals! Have been lucky enough to make friends on my travels who i have then gone on to visit and stay with, for example a recent trip to Barcelona meant staying with friends instead of having to go to another hostel, another brilliant chance to see a different side to the city and I was able to host them when they came to England.

Interests

Laughter, socialising, music - probably too much to list here(!), reading, wine, listening to life stories. I have an academic interest in Psychology and a general interest in people! Im interested at the moment in something called 'Mindful Awareness' which is all about helping us to live in the present moment. I do a lot of volunteer work - i run a volunteer programme for students at my university which helps the students to give back to the community. I love trying new food, swimming, dancing (just for fun obviously..) playing sport such as tennis and badminton, cycling, talking, and the surprises that come from a bit of a spontaneous adventure!

• music festivals
• festivals
• dancing
• dining
• wine
• running
• reading
• traveling
• volunteer work
• music
• live music
• guitar
• cycling
• surfing
• sports
• tennis
• swimming
• badminton
• languages
• psychology
• volunteering

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Have been fortunate enough to see some beautiful things and places but i think one of the most amazing things was travelling to Africa with my family. So many things were so different and suprising and beautiful. I hope to go back as soon as possible.

Teach, Learn, Share

Its hard to list personal skills to share with the world! I hope to share a general passion for life and a bit of laughter. And I hope to learn from the different people I encounter along the way. In practical terms I would desperately love to practice my Italian and learn the guitar (I have one that I sadly cant play..)! And am of course more than happy to help anyone practice English if that's what they'd like :)