Foremost... Meeting amazing, open, friendly people during my travels... Other than that (among many others): Singing an "untouchable" horse to sleep :-D Participating in Waitangi Day celebrations with Maori friends Camping on/ hiking around little-known Urupukapuka Island Sleeping in a gypsy caravan in Roseneath/Dunedin Doing cartwheels and jumping on a trampoline with my hosts' kids in Hawea Flat Giving an origami-folding lesson to kids Climbing around the Hanging Rock Having a mouse walk on my back in a camper van in Byron Bay - and NOT freaking out! Painting a baby-belly :-) Heli-hike to Franz Josef Glacier and being surrounded by glowworms in forest in Franz Josef... Receiving a blue marble from someone I just met as a part of the Blue Marble Project Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from the back Kayaking in Abel Tasman in bad weather Sleeping in a van with open doors under a full moon at Pukerua Beach... Hiking a part of Routeburn Track in torrential rain Seeing 3 bears and 2 cubs (not all at once :-) in Whistler (aaa!!) Bathing at a local Sento in Tokyo Doing a sunrise-hike up Mt. Batur in Bali (despite all the crowds there ;-) ) Entertaining little kids in 4 different languages at one party :-D

Sharing stories... Listening... Yoga... Origami/ crafts...

I generally love being a part of a family (unless it's not wished for!) - at the same time I am an unassuming guest - I tidy up after myself and take up little space! I adore cooking and baking (I soo miss a real "housey" kitchen during travels...) - I make it a point to cook for my hosts at least once.. As well as singing, origami and playing with kinds - and family pets