I think it bears mentioning that I did NOT vote for our current Administration! I hope to show people from other countries the good side of America.

CURRENT MISSION

To remain adventurous, even in everyday life, stay silly, live purposefully, have fun and learn!

ABOUT ME

I was born and raised on a barrier island in a suburb of NYC, so I love the ocean and beach and am particularly drawn to any seaside community. I currently live in Brooklyn, NY. I try to take advantage of everything New York City has to offer: theater, outdoor events, music, museums, parks, architecture, etc. One of my favorite things to do is walk or bike around a new place or undiscovered neighborhood. I just love to observe all the life happening around me and stumbling upon new and interesting things.

Shameless plug: If you're looking for some good theatre recs, check out my reviews on https://stagebuddy.com/author/tami-shaloum.

I've loved to travel my whole life and have lived abroad in London and Sydney. I particularly love budget, backpacker-style travel without too much of a set itinerary, which is what drew me to this community. That and to me travel is as much about the people you meet and the memories you make than it is about the places you see and experience. I've backpacked though Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Central America, and spent some time in South Africa for work. I've met some amazing people and I hope to continue to do so.

As a guest, I am extremely respectful, neat, open-minded, reliable, kind, and easy-going. I like to think I can get along with almost anyone but I generally enjoy people who keep an open mind, who don't accept the status quo, who recognize they are a part of a larger humanity and use that to do right; people who are always willing to change, evolve, and grow; real people who do not put up a front or try to be someone they are not; people who like to have fun, are laid-back, and don't take themselves too seriously, who laugh easily and aren't afraid to be silly.

That said, I do not like pigeon-holing myself or others so I will let my profile speak for now and hopefully a dialogue can ensue where a deeper understanding evolves.

PHILOSOPHY

I try to look at the world in different ways and keep my mind as open as possible. I try not to say yes or no right away as an answer. I prefer to explore all possibilities.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I like to meet other travelers, show visitors to NY the city I love, or even just correspond via email with some favorite things to do and see. I like connecting with people and sharing things that can't be found in guidebooks, and meeting new people from all corners of the Earth.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I couchsurfed in Newport, RI, New Orleans, and Berlin. I've attended meetups with other couchsurfers in Europe. I've also met people through the Brooklyn CS group.

Interests

Music (music is the universal language and sharing music is my favorite way to connect with people), studying maps, laughing, walking and biking everywhere, exploring, local beer, beautiful scenery, stories, the arts (every medium).

• arts
• theater
• architecture
• dining
• beer
• walking
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• backpacking
• cartography
• beaches
• parks

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: anything and everything, but mostly alt/indie rock, classic rock, jazz, classical, folk, Motown/soul/R&B

Books: In A Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson (pretty much anything by Bryson), Vagabonding by Rolf Potts, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Lolita, Crime and Punishment, Jane Eyre, Le Petit Prince

Movies: So I Married An Axe Murderer, Interview With A Vampire, Little Women, Beauty and the Beast, Clue, Addams Family Values, Groundhog Day, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Clueless

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've seen the sun rise over Uluru.

Teach, Learn, Share

My personal mantra: Be mindful. Listen to others. Chew your food. Be mindful.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I smile and laugh easily, love to have intelligent conversations, or just sing and dance to some great music. I'm also not a bad cook and would love to share a meal or two.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, United Kingdom, United States

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