In August of 2016 I made the decision to give away all of my personal possessions apart from two bags, one to take with me and one of items with sentimental value that my daughter is looking after for me. I gave up the tenancy on my flat and stopped looking for employment. Since then I have travelled around the UK taking care of people’s homes and pets while they are on holiday in exchange for somewhere to stay and travel expenses. I have also enjoyed taking time to reconnect with people that I haven’t seen for many years. I am trying to use as little money as possible and meet as many people as I possibly can. I have spent the last three months residing at Braziers Park Intentional Community where I have developed a love of community living and seen the restorative possibilities of this environment. I now want to travel and promote the concept of sharing and community living to everyone that I connect with.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

The main reason I want to travel is to meet the people who live in the places that I will be visiting. I left my home to prove to myself that the negative image of humanity as portrayed in the media isn't accurate. I want to connect with people from all walks of life and contribute to their lives as much as they contribute to mine. This seems like an ideal way to achieve these goals. You can read more about my project on my website www.thebuckstopshere.today

Interests

• animals
• social action
• ecology
• philosophy
• sociology
• adventure
• permaculture
• social justice
• meeting new people
• sharing economy
• world history
• sharing stories
• vegan cooking
• intercultural communication
• the venus project
• cooking and baking
• reading and writing

Music, Movies, and Books

I have very eclectic tastes in music, but it is limited to artists from the UK and US, which I would like to change. Other than that it is depending on my mood. If I had to choose favourites it would be Guns n Roses, Prince and Cat Stevens.

I am a big fan of action films with Tarantino being my favourite director. I am not a big fan of romantic or intellectual films as I am not visual learner. When I am viewing a story it is for excitement not knowledge!

To choose a favourite book is like choosing a favourite child! I have been a lover of books ever since I was old enough to know what they were. Many of my favourite novels are fantasy and sci-fi, but I enjoy something from every genre.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Giving away everything I owned in August 2016 is my bravest achievement to date and something that I am very proud of. It took a leap of faith in myself and humanity to trust that I would be okay without the security of things, a job or a home. It has also had an amazing impact on my life as I have a greater appreciation of connections and experiences.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have little to share except my time and my experiences, but I consider them to be of great value and I share them freely! I have many transferable skills including interpersonal skills, office management, cooking, housekeeping, driving, training, child development, developing programmes. I would like to build on my rudimentary DIY, gardening and other practical skills. I want to be somewhere that will help my personal development but more importantly, where I can feel that my contribution is of value to a project that supports my core values.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A really positive, fun, friendly, helpful and caring attitude. I am ready to try new experiences with new people!

Countries I’ve Visited

France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Taiwan

Countries I’ve Lived In

Spain