Sam and I recently moved to Minnesota from Pennsylvania and have really been enjoying it so far!

I am the owner and author of openroadodysseys.com, a budget road trip blog. I'm really easy-going and can be a bit on the quiet side at first, but if I get to chat with you I warm up fast.

Sam is a flight paramedic. He's been working in EMS since he was 16. He also teaches tactical medicine overseas occasionally when he's able to fit it into his busy schedule.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I like the idea of getting to know the area through local people and being able to save money while traveling so we can do more. Plus I like getting to know people :) I also want to return the favor to others.

I also like Couchsurfing because it helps me get past my social anxiety. Meeting new people, staying with strangers, and putting myself in unknown situations is really hard for me, but the more I do it the easier it becomes and the less often I let the anxiety control my life :)

Interests

We are really outdoorsy and love to hike, hunt, and fish. We're also doing a lot more backpacking and road trips. I love to eat and will try just about anything. I'm a movie fanatic, especially fantasy and sci-fi. I also love photography and writing. And of course I love to travel and see the world.

Sam is a huge hunter and fisher. He likes tanning hides, bone work, canoeing, and doing just about anything outside. He also plays the violin and guitar.

Music, Movies, and Books

Country music! David Nail, Dallas Smith, and Brantley Gilbert are a few of my favorites. I do listen to a bit of everything though. Sam is more into hard rock/metal and some country.

Movies - The Prestige or anything directed by Christopher Nolan, The Boy In The Striped Pajamas, Miss Congeniality, independent dramas, etc. Anything that gives me "the feels." I'm also a big fan of anything sci-fi or fantasy like Harry Potter, LOTR, Star Wars, etc.
Sam prefers comedies and lighthearted movies.

Books - any kinds of sci-fi or fantasy, especially Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, etc. I also love classics - my favorite classic author is George Elliott.
Sam mostly reads medical books or anything that will educate him.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Mission trip to the Dominican Republic.
I hope to do many more someday.

Teach, Learn, Share

I love to learn new things! I don't feel like I'm an expert at much, but I am a photographer/videographer/blogger and know a decent amount about those things.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love games! I have a bunch of them and I can teach you to play some really unique and different ones. I also love to learn new ones. My husband plays the violin and guitar - he can teach you a thing or two if you are interested, or can jam with you if you play. I love to discuss movies and media, or just about anything for that matter. I like deep conversations.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Belgium, Botswana, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, England, France, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Mexico, Netherlands, Paraguay, Saint Lucia, Scotland, South Africa, United States, Wales, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States