I will be traveling through France, Spain and Portugal for about two weeks Aug 15-27. I realize I have no references - but that's because I've never needed CS...until NOW!

It's my first time to Europe - and it's long overdue! 💙 For the record, I have (irl) hosted and stayed with friends and friends of friends of all types from all over the word, and have loved every minute of it. Some of the best humans I know are travelers - so, here's to travelers.

I'd rather stay with real people than in a hotel or AirBnB. It’s more experiential.

I'm looking forward to meeting new people - experiencing EVERYTHING art, music, dance, culture, food, friends, family and connection! I'm hoping to emerge myself in some language as well - particularly the romance languages, so challenge me a little bit.

Instagram: @shan.onym

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I want to get to know a city through those who live in and love it. I want to learn, grow and gain perspective, not just get a passport full of stamps and ticket stubs to museums.

Interests

I just started oil painting, and absolutely adore it. Also dabbling in beekeeping.

I lived on a sailboat for a year. It was stationary, because I'm a terrible sailor. 😂

Otherwise, I've lived my nine lives, but I have nine more, so bring on the adventures.

• arts
• wine
• gardening
• music
• sailing
• food
• friends
• dance
• oil painting
• beekeeping

Music, Movies, and Books

Where to start...let’s share!

Books: Le Petite Prince, Swann’s Way, anything by Sartre, The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana, Promethea (comic books), Pacific Northwest Foraging, St. Petersburg (Andrei Bely), Atlas of Emotion

Movies/TV: Anything from the 60s + 70s (i.e Exploitation films and John Waters), The Magicians, Russian Doll, The Expanse, Patrick (the one about the cute dog), Somm, ONCE, Peaky Blinders, House of Flowers, I Am Mother, Schitt’s Creek, “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat”, Fleabag, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Great British Baking Show, Me Before You, Sabrina, Adventure Time, Jeux d’enfants (Love me if you dare), León the Professional, “The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover”, anything Mae West, Planet Earth

Music: I host a local radio show where I play music from around the world, cross genre and time. So basically anything...if it’s good.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I’ve been to Burning Man multiple times, although I wouldn’t consider myself a “burner.” It’s practically another planet. I’m skipping it this year to go to Europe instead. It’s a hot, dusty, marvelous place.

Teach, Learn, Share

Show me the art shows, the music, the laughter, the books, the gardens, the culinary delights, the secret artist societies. I can tell you anything you ever wanted to know about the Pacific Northwest. 💚🌿

What I Can Share with Hosts

Conversation - in your language and mine. I'm always happy to teach conversational English, and equally ready to learn and listen.

I'd love to cook for you and learn your recipes - sharing a meal and some wine is one of the best things.

I can play two songs on guitar. Just two. But I wrote them both, so that might count for something.

A sense of adventure and collective years of interest in many things.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States