ABOUT ME

I teach French at a public high school, not far from New York City, and play music gigs when I have the chance (I play piano/violin/that little flute that primary students learn to play at school). My current project is learning Italian. When I visit a foreign country I really want to know the people and the culture - and those hidden little local places are the best! To me, one of the most interesting things about a new place is the process of understanding how and why people act as they do, how local history shapes daily life and perspectives of the people living there, and how people view themselves in relation to the rest of the world. To describe myself I would say I'm artistic, curious, flexible, and easy-going. Parties are great, but I also like just spending quiet time with a friend. I like it when people are kind and genuine :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I haven't done it yet, and now is as good a time as any!

Interests

Music - I love the opportunity to play/learn music with other people! I also enjoy beaches/mountains/outdoors, hiking, exploring new places... Other interests include cooking, hiking, slackline (I'm not especially good but I enjoy it!), music, dancing (salsa, bachata, tango) sharing culture, language, and connecting over shared human experience.

• culture
• dancing
• tango
• bachata
• partying
• traveling
• music
• piano
• hiking
• anthropology
• teaching
• languages
• beaches
• spirituality
• languages and cultures

Music, Movies, and Books

Western classical music, many types of Latin American music, Arabic music, Celtic music, and any music representative of a people group that allows me insight into their identity/perspective

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hm... Crossed the French/Swiss border on foot more times than I can count (lived right near the border for 3 years).

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: English, French, piano, crochet...
Would like to learn: anything! especially other instruments, and at the moment Italian language/culture

What I Can Share with Hosts

See above

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, France, Greece, Italy, Thailand, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Switzerland, United States