I'm from South Africa. I used to be a teacher back home but I fled because SA is not safe anymore and I don't want to build a life in a country I don't feel safe in. So, I'm currently an au pair in upstate New York. I live with the family I work for and would consider myself respectful, trustworthy and thoughtful towards them. I am studying to become an English teacher who travels the world! But for now I am looking to travel the States, meet new people and explore this dynamic country :)
I am neat and tidy and I respect other peoples homes and their rules.
If I have to describe myself in 5 words it would be:
Honest, spontaneous, impulsive, fearless and energetic.
My motto is tattooed backwards on my chest (so that I can read what it says when standing in front of the mirror) and it says "she who is brave, is free". And that's how I try to live my life.
Also I do NOT smoke :)

You are very welcome to check out my Instagram account at: taylorlinmarie :) (Sorry some posts are in Afrikaans)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I DON'T JUST WANT A PLACE TO SLEEP!! Very important!! I want to talk and I want to learn new things!! Please show me around and tell me about your life.
Also because I totally love the idea of meeting new people, have them show you a glimpse of their life while exploring new places and trying interesting things!! I can't wait to have my own place in Cape Town and start hosting awesome traveling souls from around the world!!

Interests

Running and not because something is chasing me.
Discovering new things and meeting new people!
Exploring as much as I can. Finding answers to things. Learning new things.

• running
• exploring new places
• meeting new people
• making friends
• food!
• trying new things

Music, Movies, and Books

I like music I can sing and dance to - but mostly pop. I really like Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Afrikaans music (I would love to play you some) and many others. I'm open to any music.

I like any movies except horrors and scary stuff. But things exploding, cars racing and drama going down, I enjoy. My favorite movies are the Hunger Games series, because of the metaphor they have and because I'm experiencing it now. Coming from Africa to this place...

In school we read "To kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee and I have liked that book ever since. "Lord of the flies" was also interesting.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have a few:
Jumped out of a plane that was not falling!
Have a cheetah eat custard out of my hand.
Hiked up the Alps mountains in Austria.
Drank beer in München Germany.
Got my bachelors degree when I was 20.
Ran the 2 Oceans Half Marathon in Cape Town.
Taught high school for 2 years.
Rode an ostrich - that was cool!!

Teach, Learn, Share

I can try and teach you how to solve the rubik's cube.
I can teach you some of the sports we play back in South Africa like rugby and netball. I can tell you where to go in SA and many tips people never would have thought of. I can tell and show you how beautiful Cape Town is.

I can speak 3 languages. And I can teach you how to swear in 5 :) - aren't those the words we learn first??

I would like to share anything you would like to know. From my life as a teacher back home, my life now and everything in between.

I have been to Namibia, Germany, Austria and London.

What I Can Share with Hosts

My spontaneous personality. My intelligence. My view and opinion on things. Past experiences of things I have done. And... I might bring chocolate as well ;)

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Germany, Namibia, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

South Africa, United States