CURRENT MISSION

To meet people from around the world and hear their life stories

ABOUT ME

I'm an open-minded woman who likes to meet people from around the world and really talk with them to learn about their lives. I can speak English very well, German pretty well, and Spanish very casually. I lived in Germany 25 years ago for three years where I traveled throughout the western countries, and I've been all over the U.S., to India, and to China. I think "family" is made up of people you want in your family rather than bloodlines, and I hope to expand my global family with CS! In my immediate family, I live with my husband (my travel buddy) and our older dog. We have two grown kids in their 20's.

PHILOSOPHY

My desire is to know people on an equal level as humans without judgment based on our differences, but instead embracing our differences. I have friends of all ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, sexual orientations, and cultures. With only one life given to each of us on this beautiful earth, I like to expand my experience through travel and encountering new people along the way.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I joined CS in 2010 and so far have encouraged many of my college students and my daughter to stay with other couch surfing hosts. I've hosted people at my house in Bloomington, Indiana USA, too.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I love to travel cheaply not only because it saves money, but because the less you spend, the more people you meet. I usually stay in pensions and youth hostels when I travel and often stay with friends I meet as I travel. I have low comfort needs, which makes traveling so much easier and more fun.

Interests

I love museums, historical sites, interesting architecture, hiking, cycling, skiing, and sitting around talking, often about politics and culture. I enjoy social drinking, typically combined with good conversation and great food! I enjoy being outdoors doing something and not often sitting on a beach. I'm also vegetarian and enjoy cooking and trying new foods without harming animals.

• animals
• dogs
• writing
• architecture
• dining
• cooking
• vegan
• drinking
• traveling
• socializing
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• skiing
• business
• teaching
• historic sites
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

I love movies, especially adventure, science fiction, action, and stupid humor. I don't enjoy romance or horror. I read many news sites and books with great stories or non-fiction that can teach me about history, business, or culture. I like fast music with great rhythms.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I rode up a mountain in Italy on my bicycle when I was four months pregnant with my son -- that was pretty cool. I continue to ride bikes a lot, usually averaging 100K per day on weeklong rides or 50K per day close to home. I'm not a racer, but I can sit on a bike for a really long time. My longest ride was 160 miles (255K) in one day from one side of our state to the other.

Teach, Learn, Share

My job is teaching communication in a competitive business school in the U.S. I am a dedicated teacher of professional writing and speaking skills. I can improve anyone's writing ability in less than an hour (if you're interested!).

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'll bring wine!

Countries I’ve Visited

Aruba, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Virgin Islands, British, Virgin Islands, U.S.

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