In the 80s when I was backpacking around the world, most of my socializing and experiences happened with other travellers in tourist focused accommodation eating in tourist focused restaurants and doing tourist focused activities. I often wondered how the people in those countries I visited lived - what their homes looked like, what they ate, what they did of an evening, what everyday life was like for them. I also often hankered for some "time out" from travelling, somewhere to sit quietly for a day, do my washing, gather myself. When in her 20's my daughter travelled and couch surfed in different countries. She loved the experience and I have been so grateful that she had that opportunity. Since then she has also hosted couch surfers in her home in Melbourne. So, for myself, for her, and in the interest of sharing cultures and learning about others, and to promote the use of alternative accommodation options, I wish to host couch surfers.

I am constantly on the lookout for books to read - usually checking out op shops, the library and friend's bookshelves. I cannot go anywhere without something to read. I like to mix up what I read so try and read some more cerebral non fiction and a range of fiction. I read fiction for pleasure and escape so tend to avoid scary, very sad and particularly violent books. When I turned 40 I decided it was time to learn a musical instrument so took violin lessons. After a couple of years I decided that my failure to progress was just too sad and stopped. I try to listen to a range of different musics.