CURRENT MISSION

to experience as much of life as I can

ABOUT ME

In the last 10 years I've moved the US around a bit for work: Seattle to NYC to Maryland to Seattle to New Hampshire to Virginia to DC to Olympia/Tacoma. With the cross country relocations, I've been to most states. After all this, I have decided to take a career break and travel.

I love new places and new people.

I am rather an adventurous and random sojourner. Every time I get the opportunity to travel, I jump on it, no matter where it takes me. The few disappointments I encounter in life are usually due to chances not taken. But mostly, it has given me memories. I love people, thrive on other's energy. I am always ready for another exploit. And I don't really plan my travels.

I received a degree in European Studies, mostly because it required me to study abroad. I am extremely interested in other cultures, and absolutely love tasting culture. It may sound funny, but I believe that a people's soul can be found in the food. I also have a Master's degree in Public Policy, bring very interested in climate change adaptation and energy transitions. I would LOVE to talk about this things if there's a common interest.

I am, and always will be, an optimistic person. I believe things will always get better. I also believe there is no reason not to be kind to others. It doesn't take extra energy, and makes everyone involved feel better. Smiles are free!

Don't let the age number fool you. I refuse to let it get in my way.

As a side task, I received a TESOL certificate so I could travel and teach English. I ended up staying home, but I would love to find a place to volunteer. Any CS'ers I meet are welcome to practice with me.

This is just the next step in my life's path. I hope I can meet amazing people along my journey. That is why I love CS.

PHILOSOPHY

Life is short...Play!
Everything ends up as it is supposed to.
Life is an adventure.
"We are fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance" -Japanese Proverb
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear" -Sweeney

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Whenever I go to a city, I try to meet locals (anyone really). It makes the time more enjoyable. I am willing and eager to meet travelers that come to my city, as well as CS hosts that live where I do.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I surfed in Italy, what a great intro to CS!

I love to meet CS members in other cities to get a better feel of the area. Pretty great times!

I was in New Orleans, LA for Mardi Gras in '07 meeting CS members and one took me on an impromptu parade and another gave me a driving tour of the city. Amazing ways to enjoy the city!

The group of CS travellers and hosts in San Diego, CA are fabulous. I met several people there and was impressed at the array of personalities. One of the best trips I've ever taken.

The Seattle CS community is extremely active and I participated in occasional events. Some of the members have become good friends.

I try to be available to travelers visiting my city. I keep meeting amazing people!

In fact, some of the people I have met through CS have become my dearest friends. I attended two weddings for CSers!

Interests

I am a chatty person, and can converse at any time, any day. I am excited to share experiences, and have adventures. These are my interests: talking and adventures. And I do like tv, movies, books, and everything under the sun.

Music, Movies, and Books

I like high fantasy series. I love reading about magic, sorcerers, kings, peasants, dragons, hobbits, and all that jazz. Not to say I don't enjoy some Jane Austin, Dean Koontz, James Patterson, any many other authors (esp. Jane Austen). I've found I actually enjoy history books, too. I read the "Siege of Mecca", who knew non-fiction could be entertaining while teaching you a bit of history?!?
Zoolander, Princess Bride, Dirty Dancing and Top Gun are my favorite movies. I like musicals, they remind me of my Grandma. I am always up for entertainment, so I will watch most anything- there are a few exceptions (like horror films, not interested in them).

Who doesn't love music? I like most genres, though I prefer some over others. I love music with soul (John Mayer, Norah Jones, Otis Redding), great beat (Shakira, Black Eyed Peas, Madonna) or something from home (Nirvana, Presidents of the United States of America, Sir Mix-a-lot). I have eclectic taste and will listen to anything (within moderation).

....more to come as I think of them....

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

1: stood alone on a Hawaiian beach watching the sun rise, warm water lapping against my shins
2: rented a moped in Italy and rode around the Tuscan country side- ended up on the freeway twice on a 50cc engine. Yikes!
3: had a 2 hour conversation with a Chinese woman who had relocated to Lyon, France. It was held in 3 languages- French, English and Mandarin (my French and Mandarin, and her English were limited). What an experience!

Teach, Learn, Share

I want to learn about cultures different from mine, and to explore what makes them dissimilar, and what makes them the familiar- this includes all the subcultures in the USA.
I endeavor to learn (minimally) how to be polite in all languages- help me on this mission if you can!

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Belize, Canada, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, United States

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