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I HOST ONLY WOMEN. Please read the section MY HOME before sending a request (this is on the left side menu of this page, top), for your own sake - you don't want to end up with a completely incompatible host! And you need the code word (mentioned further down) to request my couch, so please read everything in this section and then send me your request.
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I am a children's/YA author and workshop facilitator based in Chennai. A decade ago, I interned at a famous children's magazine in the US for a year, and that's when I became a traveller. I lived 2 hours away from NYC, where I discovered the magic of Greyhound - you get on one, and a short nap later, you are in a different world! I wish I had known about Couchsurfing then, but I did have good fun in youth hostels :)

In 2008, just when the recession hit, I arrived in London to study creative writing and do some serious backpacking - worst timing ever but who cares, when there are free libraries and £1 bus tickets around, eh? UK is where I really discovered couch-surfing. I found the experience so enjoyable it has liberated me, and made me less afraid of trying new things. As a writer, it benefits me in so many ways, makes me approach life differently. Right now, travelling is almost as important to me as writing is!

MY PHILOSOPHY: A ship is very safe in the harbour. But that's not why it was built for!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I almost always couchsurf when I travel alone, because I want to understand and experience a place only through its people.

Interests

I love cats, kids and spending time with the people in my life. I also love world cuisine, cross training, and my laptop. Other things I love: reading (of course!), volunteering, movies, spa therapy, juicing, flea markets, potluck, dancing, tiramisu, surprise gifts, planning future trips and sleeping late with the blinds closed. If you are a party animal, queerphobic or going insist that your religion is the only valid one, please move on.

• cats
• culture
• writing
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• indian food
• potluck
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• coding
• magic
• backpacking
• surfing
• religion
• volunteering
• budget travel

Music, Movies, and Books

I read everything. I grew up on Enid Blyton, Agatha Christie, and Mills and Boons, so my favorite genres remain the same as the ones these authors excel in. A great graphic novel or memoir makes me give up sleep and has even known to carry me through a fever or a toothache.

Now and then I read serious/literary fiction, but I prefer a life with the least amount of depression, so these days I don't read them unless they are thrust into my hand with a stellar recommendation. I love biographies and travelogues/food books, and am currently reading Bourdain's A COOK'S TOUR, Avi's THE SECRET SCHOOL and McCall Smith's COURDROY MANSIONS.

I am a movie fanatic (and an aspiring screenwriter), and can watch any language, any genre... I am always game to participate in discussions about films. I love everything about the arts really... I crave world music, and can really dance away the night if I have a worthy reason to celebrate!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Backpacked in the eastern coast of USA using Amtrak pass - greatest memories!

Teach, Learn, Share

I am a writer, so if you fancy a discussion or even a lesson in writing, just ask me.

I am an expert on budget travel and if you are planning a trip to India some time, I'd love to recommend you the places/hotels you should visit.

I can also cook lunch/dinner if you like spicy Indian food and have access to the ingredients I need!

What I Can Share with Hosts

The knowledge about the Indian culture that I belong to

Countries I’ve Visited

Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

India, United Kingdom, United States

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