I am a 24 year old South African girl. I am currently living in Des Moines, IA as an Au Pair (it is like a nanny except I live with the family and then look after their kids) . I decided to come to the United States after finishing my studies in Law back home. I wasn't ready to settle down and start working yet. I have always wanted to travel and see the world and I am currently living that dream. I came to America in April 2016 and I am enjoying every moment of it. I love going on adventures and meeting new people. I am a big animal lover and also enjoy spending time outdoors and doing things like hiking, diving, going to the beach and just exploring. I also have a appreciation of all art forms and play guitar and a little bit ukulele.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love to travel (like everyone else on couch surfing) and also to meet new people. This is the perfect place to do both of these things. I am from South Africa and I absolutely love learning about America and the American Culture. And what better way to do that than to live with locals and experience live with them. There is a saying that goes something like this: "If you want to understand a person you have to walk a mile in their shoes." I think if you want to understand a person then you have to live with them and submerge yourself in their culture. I hope to meet some interesting new people and hopefully make some new friends too. And of course it is an advantage that couch surfing lets us do all of these things and helps us to save some money too.

Interests

• animals
• arts
• music
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• scuba diving
• playing guitar
• new places
• environmentalism
• horseriding
• going to the beach

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I have a very wide interest in music. Basically anything that I can appreciate and identify with. Sometimes it's the lyrics and sometimes just a fun beat or a just raw talent.

Movies: Some of my all time favorite movies are Mulan Rouge, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Wizard of Oz, Pirates of the Caribbean (yes I am a bit of a nerd) and Eat Pray love. I also like anything that makes me laugh and makes me think, most musicals, soppy romances, good action movies and then of course Disney!

Books: I love reading! I mostly read fantasy books, but I will try anything that captures my interest. Some of my favorite authors are Robin Hobb, J.R.R Tolkien, Patrick Rothuss, Elizabeth Gilbert and J. K. Rowling.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

There is so many amazing things that I have done and experienced but if I can only name one it would be to pack up everything and move to America for a year.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you all about my South African culture and my home language Afrikaans. I would like to learn more about the American culture and anything interesting that you have to offer. I can share good conversation and positive vibes.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share my South African culture and home language, Afrikaans, with my hosts. I can also cook a typical South African meal for my host if they would like that. I am an extrovert and like a good conversation. I can also share my positive vibes :)
And I clean up after myself ;)

Countries I’ve Visited

Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Qatar

Countries I’ve Lived In

South Africa, United States