Hello there! Here's a little bit about me: Growing up in the English countryside, I then went on to study for a degree in History of Art and most recently I’ve been working as an arts administrator and project manager for a large multi-arts Festival in Norwich (in the east of England) - working in the engagement team on community participation projects, school and educational projects and work with young people. Prior to that I lived, worked and studied in London for a number of years. Hobby wise I love spending time with my friends, and I’m interested in contemporary art and culture, music (particularly live music, festivals, gigs, records etc.), visiting exhibitions and museums, reading, photography and exploring! I love people and I enjoy talking to and getting to know people. I’m more likely to enjoy a few drinks and food with friends, rather than a big night out in bars and clubs (but do enjoy this sometimes).

I'm a vegetarian, and occasional pescetarian, for moral and environmental reasons (but I'm not squeamish around meat). Aside from that I don’t have any specific requirements and I'm a very good and flexible houseguest!

My mum is a HelpX host, and teaches EFL, and growing up we'd very often host people from around the world in our family home - so I'm familiar and confident around people from different places and backgrounds, and enjoy cultural exchange.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

From November 2018 - early 2019 my partner Evan and I are taking a few months away from home to take some time out of traditional “work”, and think about our future and our place in the world. We are looking to couch surf together. You can see his profile here: https://www.couchsurfing.com/people/evan-smithson

Couch surfing is new to us, and through it we are looking to learn, experience new things, connect with new people and participate in cultural exchange. We are friendly, open-minded, adaptable, and enthusiastic.

In our 2018/2019 winter trip we are currently planning to spend time in: Chicago, Michigan, Toronto, Montreal, New York.

Whilst this trip will be our first experience of couch surfing, once we return home we really do hope to host as well, and pay it forward.

Interests

• arts
• culture
• contemporary art
• photography
• music festivals
• yoga
• reading
• music
• live music
• philosophy
• vegetarian food
• exploring new places
• vegetarian cooking
• exploring nature
• museums and exhibitions
• arts and crafts
• exploring cities

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I really love all kinds of music and have varied taste! Some of my current favourites/ acts I've seen recently: Jon Hopkins, Bon Iver, Arcade Fire, Radiohead, Nils Frahm, Solange, LCD Soundsystem, Sampha, Four Tet, Alt J, James Blake, St Vincent and the list could go on and on.

Movies: Love films and cinema (although wouldn't describe myself as an expert by any means!) some things I've seen recently and enjoyed: The Incredibles 2!, Bladerunner 2049, 50/50, Isle of Dogs, Three Billboards, Ladybird, Captain Fantastic, Hunt for the Wilderpeople.

Books: I love books and to read when I find the time(!) I'm currently reading: Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People about Race, by Reni Eddo-Lodge and Eat Up! by Ruby Tandoh.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I worked with performance artist Marina Abramovic during her summer residency 512 hours at the Serpentine Galleries in London in 2014.

Teach, Learn, Share

On a practical level I can share experiences and insights of studying and working in the arts, and life and culture in the UK. I'm hoping to share new friendships and connections with people that can enrich both our lives and experiences.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am very happy to help with cooking, cleaning, helping around the house, looking after pets (love cats and dogs!), running errands etc. I am open-minded, friendly, sociable and look forward to sharing new friendships and connections with people across the world.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, United Arab Emirates, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United Kingdom