I am an adventuring cartoonist - I'm not sure if that counts as a real job but it's what I've been up to for the past two years. My webcomic - unclippedadventure.com - reads like a travel blog but in the form of cartoons!

My adventures so far have mainly involved cycle-touring, but recently I've been given the opportunity to head to New Zealand to attempt a 1400 mile triathlon around South Island - I am very excited (and a bit nervous!). Along the way I'll be trying to raise 250 bicycles for World Bicycle Relief :)

My greatest loves are (1) travelling (2) the outdoors (3) ice cream (4) bicycles (5) did I say ice cream?

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Over the past few years my family has hosted and been hosted by many people on the WarmShowers network (like Couchsurfing for cycle-tourists). We've had so many positive experiences and many of our guests have recommended I give Couchsurfing a try too, so as I head to New Zealand I am going to give it a go!

Interests

• environment
• cooking
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• teaching
• ukulele
• adventure
• humour

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Almost everything, from Big Band to traditional folk to bluegrass to movie soundtracks. Charles Trenet. Hans Zimmer. Vampire Weekend. Rodriguez.

Movies: Anything a bit edgy or darkly funny - Everything is Illuminated. Triplets of Belville. Donnie Darko. Chumscrubber. Death at a Funeral. Domino.

Books: I like to read stories that I think might give me a broader or more interesting perspective on the world. Soul of the White Ant. A New Earth. Purple Hibiscus. The Story of My Experiments with Truth. Alice in Wonderland!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Last year I cycled 11,000km through Africa with my mom, dad and sister. We experienced things that I could never have imagined: derailed trains, elephant-chases, Malaria, wild horses in the desert, even a machete attack! It was the experience of a lifetime and inspired me to pursue my creative interests as well as my passion for bicycle advocacy once the trip was finished as opposed to going straight back to uni.

Teach, Learn, Share

Every person and every place is infinitely interesting and wonderful. The more people I meet who seem different to me at first, the more I learn that underneath it all we are so similar - everybody wants to be loved and happy and we're all just doing our best. And sometimes it's tough, but mostly it's fun!

Also, there's no use in taking anything too seriously - especially not yourself :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

Creative projects - I'm your girl!

I love getting involved with new and interesting challenges, whether you're building a new website, painting your kitchen or making posters for your little cousin's ballet show. I can use Adobe Illustrator and other drawing design software, and enjoy the opportunity to use my skills/experience as a way to say thank you to people who have hosted me.

I also love cooking vegetarian dishes and love to cook some South African food for visitors and hosts!

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Botswana, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Namibia, Portugal, Rwanda, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Wales, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Maldives, South Africa