Hi! My name is Elizabeth. I am a massage therapist, avid explorer, mountain goat, and a pretty good snowboarder of I do say so myself.
I am a full time student to become an anatomy and physiology professor.

I'm coming to find throughout my years on Couchsurfing that staying with locals gives me a better perspective about where I am visiting than reading guide books or staying at hostels. I find the journey much more satisfying when I feel like I got more than some pictures and memories from a place. I love hosting when I'm stationed somewhere for a while and being a surfer is always my first choice when looking for places to stay while I'm traveling.

I no longer drink or do drugs. I abstain from any mind-altering substances for two reasons: they no longer benefit me or my life in a positive way and I am not a creature of moderation. This is my choice and please don't let it affect yours, all I ask for is mutual respect.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've been introduced to some amazing people through CS. I've met an incredible single mother who stands tall from the seat of her wheelchair, an activist and uni professor, professional vagabonds, a career Army Ranger, and a musician with the most beautiful singing voice. I've met college students who left their homes and families thousands of miles away to study in America. I housed a Swedish semi-pro snowboarder, a handful of legendary Aussies, weekend warriors, and world travelers. I once had a host I hardly saw because of his work schedule, but welcomed me all the same.

Couchsurfing is a community I love being a part of as both a surfer and a host. I think this sets me apart from a lot of CSers because I have seen both ends of the spectrum. I know how important it is to be a reliable, patient, and flexible host, and I know how essential it is to be respectful, patient, grateful, communicative, and understanding as a surfer. All things aside, my favorite rule is, "Don't be a dick" and I try to abide by it 24/7/365.

Interests

Photography, snowboarding, travel, hiking, reading, cooking, massage therapy, nutrition, the human body, art, nature, what the world has to offer that I have yet to explore, what the world has to offer that I have already explored.

• arts
• writing
• photography
• dining
• cooking
• recipes
• massage therapy
• traveling
• painting
• music
• hiking
• backpacking
• camping
• snowboarding

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I could go on for days and this changes constantly, but my forever favorites are Tool, Chevelle, Regina Spektor, Iron & Wine, Daughter, and William Elliott Whitmore.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I went to all 50 states before I was legally allowed to drink. That was cool.

Teach, Learn, Share

I teach:
Snowboarding
Downsizing
Van life
Living on the cheap
Camping basics
Dreadlock maintenance
Massage therapy tricks
Wire wrapping pendants
Photography
Basic Photoshop

I share:
Food
Getaway spots
Knowledge
Smiles
Hugs
Massage(strictly professional)
Dad jokes and puns

I learn:
Kinestetically and with repetition

I love to learn about different cultures, locations, and experiences. Some things I would love to learn are conversational Spanish, skiing, rock climbing, ultralight backpacking skills, yoga, and the best way to gain citizenship in a European country. A big pet peeve of mine is the spread of misinformation, so if you are educated by more than personal blogs and word-of-mouth, feel free to teach me more about astronomy, weather patterns, pathology, physics, foreign politics, and nutrition.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love to cook so give me some ingredients and i'll make us dinner! I can give suggestions of where to travel (especially in the western US), massage, smiles, hugs, and I braid hair like a beast.

I can also show you how to have fun while being sober. :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Andorra, Aruba, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Scotland, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States