CURRENT MISSION

Learning about the world!

ABOUT ME

Grew up in Boston; spent summers in Greece. Got sent to Houston when I was a Coast Guard officer many years ago, and am probably here for the long haul.

My kids are now much more independent and I've started to travel a little more.

PHILOSOPHY

I'm a pretty strict Orthodox Christian, and that colors my perspective a great deal. It means looking at my own failings before those of others (I try, anyway), and being honest and forthright to the best of my ability. I make lots of mistakes but keep going anyway. And don't let my faith scare you! I'm not going to try to convert you. I'm most interested in meeting interesting, curious, respectful people from all backgrounds.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I love the idea of getting the local perspective on places we visit, as well as doing some hosting to meet people from all over the world. I hope to participate more in the future :)

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

At this point, my hosting experience is not great. People ask to surf, I accept and make preparations, and they disappear at the last minute. Unfortunately, I will have to decline requests unless you have positive surfing reviews on your profile and refer to specifics in my profile.

On a recent trip to New York City with my daughter, I learned about a CS get-together at a Spanish restaurant, with Flamenco guitar and dancing. I felt that I had to go, and the evening embodied what I think CS is all about. We had a wonderful evening with a small group of folks from Canada, Siberia, Spain, Mexico, France, Poland, Dominica, India, and Germany. I was the old lady of the group, but it was great.
Hosted my first Couchsurfers, a single mom with her son, who played nicely with my youngest. It was a good experience, but they disappeared from this site soon after they visited. I've had to decline a few requests due to scheduling conflicts, and I've accepted requests from a couple of people who never contacted me again. Just had my first surfing experiences in Maine, and they were very nice. The only problem is the lack of time to spend with new friends!

Interests

Exploring nature and cultures. I love to learn about how people live their lives on a daily basis (but not the sordid, gossipy details). I'm interested in parenting, homeschooling, natural health and diet, exercise, and integrating the modern and traditional so that we get the best of both.

• dancing
• flamenco
• cooking
• exercise
• dieting
• traveling
• socializing
• guitar
• surfing
• business

Music, Movies, and Books

I've been really enjoying learning about other cultures from foreign films on Netflix lately. I love Greek music most of all, but lots of other world music too. Though I read voraciously as a kid, most of my learning now takes place online. When I have the chance, I prefer to read dramatic fiction, theology, education, parenting, science, and how-to books.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Most amazing thing? I've been a single mom since 2005 and we are still here, learning and planning adventures! My kids and I have been through tough times and great times together. We ran a little home business for five years and traveled when we were able. We've taken some great trips to Greece, Colorado, Florida, and Alaska. Hopefully there will be some more trips in the future.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you some Greek! I'm happy to share my home, cook for you, chat and show you around as much as I'm able depending on the schedule at the time of your visit. If I surf with you, I would like to do something to show my appreciation! Cooking dinner for you comes to mind first!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can probably cook dinner for you!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, Cyprus, England, France, Germany, Greece

Countries I’ve Lived In

Cyprus, Greece, United States

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