Hello! My name is Vanessa and I am passionate about energy and the environment, family, travel, playing guitar, dogs, hiking/camping/backpacking/being outside and around people who also like these things, sharing stories and cultures, learning languages, good beer, cooking, hammocks, and just generally enjoying meeting new people.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love meeting new people and getting real perspectives on life in a new place that I visit, and being able to provide that to others, too!

Interests

• dogs
• environment
• organic food
• music
• live music
• guitar
• hiking
• craft beer
• renewable energy
• hammocks

Music, Movies, and Books

Music-
As a musician I find I can appreciate most genres and artists, though I do love listening to and playing (guitar) blues and folk, and can't resist dancing to some good old R&B.

Movies-
I love films, and am trying to start watching more foreign films, too! Some favorites would have to be: Up; Into the Wild; School of Rock; Tommy Boy; and Erin Brockovich.

Books-
A slow reader I'm frustratingly less well-read in what I would have chosen than in academic journal articles, but am currently reading Essays of Travel by Robert Lewis Stevenson, I love the Catcher in the Rye (oldie but goodie) and Tuesdays with Morrie.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was honored by being the team captain of the UC Berkeley Women's Varsity Rowing Team in my final year [2014-2015] and seeing the team to a 2nd place national finish. It was so incredible to be both a member and a driving force of such a strong and strong-willed and hilarious and amazing group of women and friends.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach-
I have played guitar for nearly 14 years and always love sharing what I can with friends who are anywhere between never having touched a guitar to way better than I am.

Learn-
Languages, all of them, always.

Share-
Sharing is caring. Food, music, good beer, stories, a hug, love it.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am low-maintenance, fun, gregarious, and always keen to hear your stories! I can share my good attitude and friendship without being in your hair... but if you want to go for a hike, out for a beer, cook dinner together, sounds great to me!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Zambia

Countries I’ve Lived In

Panama, United Kingdom, United States