CURRENT MISSION:

I came to Ecuador for my best friend’s wedding in Quito. Currently in the Galapagos until Saturday 8/4 (or 4/8) then flying in to Guayaquil. I’m not sure if I will spend time in Guayaquil or catch a bus straight somewhere else. I have until the 22nd to explore.

I’d like to see:
Baños (top of my list)

And in no particular order:

Puerto López
Cuenca
Ayampe
Otavalo
Quitoloa
Cotopaxi
Mindo

End with a few days in Quito

I don’t like to move fast but have a lot to see! Let me know if you have recommendations or want a travel buddy for any of those places!

ABOUT ME

I am currently substitute teaching and working with a lot of at-risk kids. I also serve and bartend at an awesome, little, locally-sourced restaurant. I’m in the process of researching grad schools for psychology to pursue a career in mental health work.

I have a very close-knit family and we have always enjoyed hosting people. We joke that our family home has been more of a commune than anything else. I'm used to having lots of people around and I'm comfortable around new people.

I'm very excited to learn more about Couch Surfing, It's new to me but I immediately feel connected. I'm ecstatic to see there are so many other people in the world willing to open their homes and meet new people.

PHILOSOPHY

Two of my favorite quotes are:

The highest and most beautiful things in life are not to be heard about, nor read about, nor seen but, if one will, are to be lived.

&

To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself.

-Both Kierkegaard

I do my best to appreciate every moment and have come to realize that all you can really count on is change. I tell my friends that "I'm always down" and usually mean it. I like trying new things and believe that the best way to experience life is with an open mind and an open heart.

I believe life is far too short to spend in worry or dwelling on the negative so I try to enjoy every day- even when life is crazy (which it usually is)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I haven't actually couchsurfed through the site yet. But I have done Workaways/ work exchange and make a point to clean up and leave a place cleaner than I found it :)

Interests

People, People, People. Playing guitar is one of my favorite things to do.

Travelling
Getting Lost
Cooking together, Eating Together
Creating together, Drinking Coffee

• people
• places
• things
• in that order

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Most everything (I don't say that as a cop-out)
I enjoy Everything from Jazz to classical to electronica to hip hop and metal. I LOVE going to concerts and am always interested in broadening my musical horizons.

Books: I don't read as much as I'd like to because everytime I sit down to read I think of all the people I could be seeing :)

My most recent obsession has been Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Hoping to re-read in Spanish someday.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Skinny dipped in bio luminescent plankton in the middle of a thunderstorm in Cambodia-- lights everywhere!

Teach, Learn, Share

TEFL certified, and currently substitute teaching in middle school

Teach: I'm not an excellent guitar player but I'm always interested in sharing songs or learning songs or playing with other musicians.

I want to learn more about basically everything! My favorite way to learn is by hearing people share about what they are passionate about and even if its not something I necessarily share a passion for its fun for me to see what people really get excited about :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can tell stories for days (some hilarious, some interesting, some disastrous; some all of the above)

I am a good efficient worker. Skilled at cleaning, organizing, sorting. I work well in a kitchen or food service environment since I have about 12 years experience in restaurants, bars and kitchens.

Cooking is a passion of mine, I'm not great at it but I can always make something tasty. I am also used to cooking for groups since I come from a fairly large family that likes to entertain.

After completing two degrees that are very focused on writing-- philosophy and psychology-- my English writing and editing skills are proficient.

Music is another area which I am passionate about. I play guitar and sing and can work my way around a piano and would be happy helping beginners learn guitar or musical basics.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Cambodia, Canada, Colombia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Lebanon, Mexico, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Thailand, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States