My husband and I both are part-time teachers—middle aged folks—who live in Northern California, USA—where the redwoods meet the sea. Pete teaches music at an elementary school. Cyndy teaches English at two local colleges, is working on a YA book series set in Orkney, and has a fledgling wee independent press that pairs authors and illustrators from locations where they may not have other chances to be heard or seen.

We like to spend time outdoors, especially Pete—walking, cycling, hiking, kayaking, etc. just as much as we love cozying up to a good book or creating artwork or playing boardgames. We love to spend time with others and to be of service in the world. Cyndy is as crazy about spending time with animals as Pete is about spending time with kids.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

We've hosted a few couch surfers--before I even heard of this website--and we've both had more than one kind soul help us out when we got into a "pickle" while traveling, offering accommodation, food, or even transport. Wherever we go, seems there are good people in the world who are willing to just help each other out. We love that, and it's actually what we love most about traveling/hosting. Couch surfing allows us to meet others and to take part in a global community....

Interests

• photography
• reading
• traveling
• painting
• music
• hiking
• kayaking
• scuba diving
• snorkeling
• psychology
• food
• metaphysics
• community
• creative writing
• honesty
• love animals

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite movie of all time--The Sound of Music (but it's close with the Matrix!) Pete likes older movies, and I'm more into Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, but we can watch and enjoy just about anything.
Favorite Book--whatever we're reading at the moment....
Favorite Music--Anything by Schubert or Puccini...mostly classical, but also Reggae, Country and Folk...then there's Green Day, REM, and the like....and of course, I can't forget to mention John Denver and Jimmy Buffett! For Pete, he likes mainly non-fiction books and classical music:)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Left my hometown when everyone told me I'd never make it "out there."
Taught English to monks/nuns in Nepal while living at their monastery.
Worked with dolphins, whales, seals, sea lions, and manatees.
Met indigenous people throughout the world who have opened secret doors in my soul....

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach English, love learning languages (even a wee bit helps), love sharing good food, community, nature, laughs, smiles and hugs.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm a jack of all trades kind of person. As is my husband. We mostly travel together, so here's our list of what we can help with if you let us crash with you for a wee bit:

Gardening, Babysitting / child care, Elderly Care, General Maintenance,
Cooking / shopping, Farm work, Help with Eco projects, Help in the house,
Animal training and care, Charity work, Language practice, Artwork, Music, Beekeeping
Help with Computers / internet/Graphic Design, yoga

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Canada, China, Ecuador, England, Ethiopia, Faroe Islands, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Luxembourg, Mexico, Nepal, Norway, Peru, Scotland, Tanzania, Uganda

Countries I’ve Lived In

Nepal, United States