CURRENT MISSION

I aim to improve the world around me by being informed, fun, open-minded, kind, helpful, interesting, silly, etc..

ABOUT ME

I'm an extroverted introvert.... or maybe an introverted extrovert? I love to meet new people, try new things and especially see new places. I love to make people laugh and engage in conversations about contemporary issues. But sometimes it's nice to take a breather and read a book, watch some movies, or quietly surf the web. Sometimes a good time can mean cooking a tasty meal or playing a board game instead of clubbing 'til morning. I'm game for both - the extroverted introvert.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I do my best to reply to messages, give good tips or advice to travelers, and to host when I can! Meeting people and helping each other is part of what CS is about.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I recently had my first couch surfing experience and it was great!

Interests

traveling, photography, environmental issues, anthropology, politics, pets, reading and books, writing, spicy food, exotic food, beer, wine and interesting cocktails, movies of all genres, outdoor activities, camping, hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, swimming, caving, rock climbing, pottery, drawing, watercolors, online communities and social networking, blogging, philosophy, all things green

• pets
• writing
• books
• photography
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• beer
• cocktails
• clubbing
• politics
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• pottery
• blogging
• drawing
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• kayaking
• spelunking
• camping
• surfing
• scuba diving
• rock climbing
• swimming
• anthropology

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite musical artists at the moment are Alexi Murdoch, Imogen Heap, Jack Johnson, Massive Attack, and Patty Griffin. Recently I loved Wall-E, Dark Knight, Under the Tuscan Sun, and Sunshine.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have traveled and lived abroad on my own, with no prior experience or expectation. I've worked hard to paid my way through graduate school. I'm a jack-of-all-trades, with an adequate mix of book and practical smarts. I try to be a genuinely good human being.

Teach, Learn, Share

I've found that when you're traveling in a country where you don't speak the language, taking the time and trouble to learn a little more than the basics (e.g. numbers and prices, ordering food, "that's delicious", etc) can really expand your experience. It's not too difficult to do, you can practice on the plane, bus, etc. Just use it and laugh at your own mistakes and it will open up a whole new world for you.

I'd like to learn any little tips or tricks to doing this same thing better - how do you start to learn little bits of language when you're "in the field"? I can never remember anything that people tell me, even if they translate for me!

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Canada, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Netherlands, South Korea, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, South Korea, United States

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