CURRENT MISSION

To gain cultural experiences and expand my relationships, both existing and new. I think we can;t keep running around the world without looking backwards and taking care of the important relationships we leave in our path. Life is an expansion, and not linear. Finding that balance is my mission I suppose.

ABOUT ME

I grew up in the United States, went to Scotland for a wee minute (4 and a half years), transplanted to India for an even smaller minute, then moved to France where I am currently based. I love good coffee, when you can taste the beans. I am the somellier of coffee. Discovering the beauty of different taste combinations is my thing.

I also love exploring music. different genres. combining them. testing them. a different genre every year it seems. and then I like to go back to the old stuff too.

PHILOSOPHY

I do believe in moral relativism--to an extent. Morality is largely instilled by society and each culture has its own specific moral conundrums that are so often misunderstood when taken out of context.

"Reason is the slave of the passions" - Hume. (I should pay more attention to this! Sometimes I'm just too rational.)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

At the moment I just surf. I am one of those freeloaders taking advantage of the kindness of internet strangers! I wish I could reciprocate, really, but our tiny flat is super uncomfortable for guests. One day I vow to return the favor.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I was hosted by some very lovely people on a trip to Spain two years ago. I also lived with a person in Amsterdam for a few days last summer. I met up with somebody from couch surfing to show them around Edinburgh. Even though I could not host them I am always happy to meet up with people!

Interests

I like to try the cuisine of the places that I travel.. but maybe I just thought of this since I'm eating cirrently as I write. I enjoy street art as well, and dingey cafes run by hippies (Like the Forest Cafe in Edinburgh! All travelers welcome there!). Any shops or restaurants that are alretnatively or volunteer-run. Music is a very big interest of mine -- I can't say it enough! I recently started modeling for a photographer friend of mine (see above) and am enjoying that. I met this person at a fashion show where we were both modeling. Mythology interests me, but I dont claim to be an expert.

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC: Joan Baez (i am her and she is me), John McCutcheon(USA folk singer), The Smiths, Balkan Beat Box, Shantel, ELECTRO SWING, Chinese Man, De La Soul, 'conscious' rap, Of Montreal, Rolling Stones, Basshunter (once upon a time when I was a gamer), Goldfish, Supertramp, Purity Ring (not the new stuff), Bonobo, house music (like Joy Orbison) for when I'm in the mood to groooove

MOVIES: Labyrinth, the princess bride, all Mel Brooks. More recently I've viewed and watched things like Gone Girl, but I am not up to date on the movies that have come out recently. Ladyhawke is probably one of my favorite stories as told through the medium of film. I enjoy a good fantasy or sci-fi (if you can find one through the sea of rubbish, please reccomend it to me!) I typically avoid romantic comedies. I Love bollywood films like the blockbuster film Lagaan and later by the same director, Jodhaa Akbar.

BOOKS: Seppenwolf by Herman Hesse is my most recent read. I am also reading Shantaram, and The God of Small things, and High Society by Ben Elton. Four books at once! I must be crazy (or just indecisive). It's a nice thing actually because I read different books depending on what mood I am in, or what kind of a story I want to be absorbed into.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've been to the Galapagos Islands and seen Lonesome George, the last known Galapagos Tortoise of his species! Last summer I saw the Dali Lama give a buddhist teaching up in Leh, Ladakh. Okay so that's two things...

Teach, Learn, Share

I come from California and Virginia, two very different states! In Virginia I volunteered for the Obama campaign in my city. I ride horses, and can sing very well. The stage is a place where I have lots of experience. I want to learn more about other cultures and basically to immerse myself in alternative lifestyles. Basically, tourist stuff doesn't entirely cut it for me. That's the reason I do couchsurfing. I don't want to do the normal stuff! In return for that intimate exposure to a new place from a local perspective, I can offer singing lessons! (no joke, I love doing it!)

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can offer singing lessons! I often help out friends who are musicians but never learned to sing properly. I have had classical lessons since the age of 7, on and off. I can share my experiences and stories. Good humor. I can roll cigarettes too! I only smoke if the people I am with are smoking though -- the benefits of not having an addictive personality.

I am happy to help cook meals with my hosts or buy you a drink!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, China, Ecuador, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Puerto Rico, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, India, United Kingdom, United States