CURRENT MISSION

Life is short. Dive in!

ABOUT ME

Call me "Zy" or "Z" - all my good friends do. But, if you're wondering how to pronounce my full name (most people do), it is pronounced with a long I - "Zina" rhymes with "China" and "Carolina" :)

It's difficult to keep up with numerous social sites. You can find more about me on Facebook under Zina Bartle. Let me know you're from Couchsurfing.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Couchsurfing is a fabulous experience! Even though I've seen some impressive historical sites, etc., I always find that my best memories of travel are of chance encounters with people. I love hearing others' stories and perspectives. This is a great way to make that happen without relying on chance alone.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

When I was wandering aimlessly lost in Luxor, Egypt, I was befriended by a family of Muslim villagers. Next thing I know, I am playing patty-cake with the most adorable little girl on the roof of their flat, overlooking a gorgeous sunset over the Nile. It was then that I realized that some of the most meaningful experiences just can't be bought or found on a tour bus. Although an "accident," this was the beginning of my interest in couchsurfing, meeting locals and adventure travel.

Interests

Anything I haven't tried before! My passion is SCUBA. I enjoy off-the-beaten path adventures that involve nature/wildlife and athletic/physical challenges. I also like conversations about anything and everything...history, science, philosophy, travel. A great conversation over a cup of coffee can be every bit as interesting and rewarding as seeing some famous monument.

I'm equally interested in the arts. Afraid I don't have much talent in these areas, but I appreciate and admire those who have talents in music, visual and performing arts. When I am not able to travel, I attend all kinds of performing arts events, ranging from opera to Broadway to world music.

• wildlife
• arts
• performing arts
• coffee
• traveling
• music
• opera
• world music
• scuba diving
• history
• science
• adventure travel
• historic sites

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy music of all kinds and consider it the universal language. Even so, I prefer to attend a live concert to simply listening to a recording -- especially if it is jazz or blues music. I hardly ever watch television or movies. I consider life an active adventure, so passively watching made-up stories just can't compete with engaging in real life adventures. I do like to read. Even when I cannot travel, books can take me a million miles from where I am in an instant. From heavy science to mystery to the back of a cereal box, I am always reading something.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Often, there is something amazing to be experienced in the most common or simple thing, if you're open to the possibilities. One amazing feeling: while sleeping topside on a sailboat in BVI, anchored far from shore and people...the sheer vastness and immensity of the starlit heavens and an ovewhelming sense of closeness to God...

Countries I’ve Visited

Aruba, China, Egypt, Honduras, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, Palau, Virgin Islands, British

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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