Me and my friend Bryony are having our first interrailing experience this June. It's something I've always wanted to do, I love travelling by train and there are so many places in Europe I'm yet to discover.

We are both from England but we met in Madrid, where she still lives working as a web designer, and where I lived for 3 years whilst teaching English as a foreign language. I have recently moved back to the UK (Bristol) to study to become a primary school teacher.

I find it uncomfortable to describe myself so Bryony and I are going to write each other's descriptions!

About Abby:
Abby is an adventure loving warm spirit who finds fun in all situations. She's sociable and enjoys meeting new people from different countries and learning about their cultures. She also enjoys learning new languages (she speaks English, Spanish and French, Spanish and French both self taught after leaving school!).
She's a kind and moral person, a great friend and an easy going travel companion.

About Bryony:
Bryony is great company: she is very easy-going and genuine. She is a thoughtful and considerate person who has many interests. After travelling around South America, she settled in Spain where she now works as a graphic designer. Her Spanish is now so good, people don't believe she is English! Overall, she's someone who always seems contented, especially when embarking upon new adventures and meeting new people.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I find the way of travelling that involves going to hotels to sleep and touristic spots and restaurants in the day a bit limited and isolating. I have done it before and you really can not get a sense of a place by doing that. For me the holiday is made by the people I meet and the connections I make. It's infinitely more interesting to meet some locals and follow them to their favourite spots. These experiences can be unforgettable. Doing a favour for a complete stranger does us so much good! The times when I have hitchhiked in the past, I have met the most amazing people that I otherwise would have never crossed paths with, and both the person giving the favour and the person in receipt of it had such a good feeling afterwards, faith in humanity restored. The fact that it's free is obviously a bonus!

Interests

When I'm not studying or working I am making the most of my free time: there is lots to do here in Bristol. I am interested in most things and if I had the time I would have every hobby going but, as this is not possible I focus on language learning, drawing, hiking, cycling, dancing, climbing and reading.

Music, Movies, and Books

I always find it hard to pick favourites of anything, especially with music. There are so many genres that I listen to. I can go from metal to funk to classical to techno in one playlist! But I suppose I generally listen to a lot of rock, electronic, techno, latin, rap, drum & bass, dub, ambient and world music. To give you an idea, on spotify my 'on repeat' playlist includes Polo and Pan, Maribou State, Peggy Gou, Vasthti Bunyan, The Hives, Pixies, Doja Cat, L'Imperatrice, The Specials, Calle 13 and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Quite a random mix!

Some of my favourite novels are The Grapes of Wrath, The Picture of Dorian Grey, The Beach, The Son, The Herries Chronicles and in terms of non fiction I really enjoyed all of Tim Marshall's books on geopolitics, Sapiens and Empireworld by Sathnam Sanghera. I also just finished a really interesting book called Ultra Processed People which is about ultra-processed food and the effect it has on our health and that of the planet.

I'm currently listening to an audiobook by Margaret Atwood called Alias Grace.

In terms of films, I recently signed up to the British Film Institute which is full of independent films, some British but a lot of international films too. I generally like watching an eclectic mix of indie films. In terms of more well-known films, some of my favourites are 28 Days Later, Heat, Fight Club, Amores Perros, In the Name of the Father, Gladiator, Last of the Mohicans, O Brother Where Art Thou..

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Travelled all over India by train with a puppy we found who was dying on the street. He now lives with my mum in Southampton!

Teach, Learn, Share

Having worked as an English teacher for several years, if you are learning I can definitely help with that! I could also teach you some Spanish. I would really appreciate some help with my French, I have arrived at the level where it is now very enjoyable! I can mostly express myself (albeit with difficulty) and understand quite well, but am always learning new words.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm pretty handy in the kitchen! I'd be very happy to cook for you. Other than that I can share my experiences of travelling, living abroad and numerous opinions on things!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, France, India, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Spain