The travel bug bit me as a kid moving around: Florida, California and Japan. I am currently a Girl Scout Leader for middle and high school girls and a career coach for high school students. I have enjoyed introducing low-cost travel to my GS community via youth hostels and camping. My husband and I have an "empty nest" and enjoy a variety of community service activities together. I'm a kid at heart and am happy near, on, or in the water.

The nearest bus stop is http://trimet.org/#tracker/stop/3407 please map out where you would like to visit before you send a request.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My daughter (https://www.couchsurfing.com/people/jcollins53) introduced me to couch surfing when she planned a trip to Europe a few years back. Although I was skeptical at first, I've enjoyed hearing her travel stories and have appreciated the kindness of strangers who have helped her out along the way! Since then my husband (https://www.couchsurfing.com/people/pol.collins) and I have hosted several people formally and a few informally and I now realize what an opportunity this is to meet people and get a more genuine experience of a community. I had a great trip to Europe and couch surfed in London, Berlin and Athens.

Interests

• outdoor activities
• cultural exchange
• waggs
• youth development

Music, Movies, and Books

Book: Laudato Si
Music: I enjoy listening to the music on the NPR show, "The World"
Movies: I don't watch many, but I loved, "UP"

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Climbed part of the Great Wall of China, watched the sunrise from Mt. Fugi and hiked to Iceburg Lake in Glacier National Park, Kalaupapa National Park in Hawaii and Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon. I also helped groups of young women plan a trips to San Francisco, Seattle, Olympic National Park, Crater Lake National Park, San Juan National Park, Wallowa State Park, Canada,Costa Rica and Belize

Teach, Learn, Share

I love learning about people, their strengths and interests and hearing about their career paths. I have also found that getting lost is often more fun than the direct route.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A silly joke, a game of cards, and some stories of adventures.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belize, Canada, China, Costa Rica, England, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, South Korea

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, United States