CURRENT MISSION

Collect experiences

ABOUT ME

I am an English teacher, writer and translator living in Mantova, Italy. This is my second year living in Italy, and likely my last (at least for a while). As the school year comes to a close, I am getting ready to do some serious traveling. :)

I truly believe life is about collecting experiences, appreciating the simple things, and being present in the moment. I try to live that way, even when it's not easy. I think travel is a great teacher.

I am a huge italophile and love any and all things related to Italian language and culture. I recently became an Italian citizen (dual citizen, through my Italian ancestry) which is really exciting! The knowledge that I could live in Europe for as long as I want is exhilarating.

All languages and cultures fascinate me, as do psychology and philosophy. If you are a fan of Rainer Marie Rilke, we will be friends! I love to write and read whatever I can get my hands on. I definitely prefer books to TV and movies, although I have been to known to settle in front of the couch with a trashy reality TV show now and then...

I really enjoy being outdoors, hiking, biking, exploring new cities or small towns, trying out delicious food, people-watching, and traveling by train

I'm an introvert who loves people! I relish my time alone (hence I am a big fan of solo travel!) but am at my best when I'm connecting with people and helping them in some way. Despite my introversion I can be quite outgoing and love to hear people's stories and share my own.

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PHILOSOPHY

Want the change. - Rilke

--Rainer Maria Rilke is my favorite poet/writer, and this short line from one of his poems is really meaningful to me. Basically, I try to embrace and appreciate change, because it's the only constant in life.--

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And go do that, because the world needs people who have come alive."
-Howard Thurman

A different language is a different vision of life.
- Federico Fellini

Perché sono iscritto su Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Though I can't host Couchsurfers here in Mantova, I would love to connect with locals, other expats, and those who are Couchsurfing through the area. I know Mantova very well, having lived here before, and I'd be happy to show travelers around. I'd really just love to meet more young people here (as it is a relatively small, quiet town) and would love to meet up for coffee and a chat (in Italian and/or English). I'm also planning on going to CouchSurfing events!

Of course, when I am traveling outside Mantova I plan on finally surfing, and I am really looking forward to it!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have attended some CouchSurfing events in Mantova... and am just now beginning to surf while traveling! Has been an incredibly positive experience so far!

Interessi

Languages (especially Italian), learning, books, music, history, being outdoors, biking, good food, photography, thought-provoking conversations, writing, old bookstores, coffee, gelato, concerts, laughing...

• culture
• writing
• books
• poetry
• photography
• concerts
• dining
• recipes
• chocolate
• coffee
• movies
• tv
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• surfing
• teaching
• genealogy
• history
• journalism
• languages
• psychology
• solo travel

Musica, film e libri

Music: Third Eye Blind, Cold War Kids, Metric, Daughter, Atlas Genius, The Kooks, Jack's Mannequin, Kevin Devine, Death Cab for Cutie, Coldplay, Tegan and Sara, Lana Del Rey, U2.... and some random hip-hop/techno/rap mixed in for good measure.

Books: SO MANY. Letters to a Young Poet, Let the Great World Spin, 100 Years of Solitude, Gone with the Wind, The Kite Runner, Davita's Harp, The Chosen, La Solitudine dei Numeri Primi, Il Giardino dei Finzi-Contini, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Movies: I like most, but don't have a list of favorites! More of a books/music person.

And I'll add a TV section: New Girl, The Daily Show, Girls, How I Met Your Mother, Friends, The Mindy Project

Una cosa incredibile che ho fatto

Living through northern Italy's earthquakes back in May 2012. Bizarre and slightly terrifying experience, but makes for good stories.

Visiting my grandfather and great grandmother's hometowns in southern Italy (near Salerno). Reconnecting with distant relatives all around Italy.

Being stranded alone in Prague for four days during the Icelandic volcano eruption in spring 2010, and taking a 20-hour bus ride from there back to Italy.

Riding a camel through the desert in Israel, and hiking Masada at sunrise.

Insegna, impara, condividi

Obviously I'm a native English speaker, so I'm open to a language-exchange type situation! I'd be happy to show travelers around Mantova or provide travel tips for other nearby cities, as I have explored the area quite a lot! I'd be happy to share my knowledge about working as an English teacher, at an American university, or in the field of journalism in the U.S. I could also teach some basic American recipes, like how to make pancakes or chocolate chip cookies!

What would I like to learn? So much! New languages, new recipes, how to play any instrument at a beginner's level.

Paesi che ho visitato

Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Peru, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Paesi in cui ho vissuto

Italy, United States