I am the second eldest in a family of 9 children. Born and grew up in Geelong, we moved back here to raise our children (two of them - a boy and a girl, now grown up, most of the time). I trained as a nurse and worked in the aged care and support field.
I believe in finding pleasure in simple things, friends, family, food and in the importance of defending human rights, tackling climate change , living sustainably.
I like my own company and treasure time on my own but also enjoy meeting new people.
Prior to Covid I was active as a couch surfing host which I loved. Post Covid I was having my new home built which took a number of years. And now that I am in my new home, I am ready to host couch surfers again!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

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.

Interests

Nurturing friendships, family, reading (fiction and non fiction) , cooking, growing food, eating great food, wine, yoga, silence. The list goes on.....

• human rights
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• yoga
• gardening
• reading
• tv
• traveling
• socializing
• backpacking
• nursing
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

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.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In the 1980's I (and some others though I was travelling by myself) got stranded in the snow in Ladakh and had to be rescued by the Indian army. That experience gave me confidence in my resilience in adversity. But that was a long time ago.

Teach, Learn, Share

What I can offer the visiting couch surfer is their own bedroom and access to shower, kitchen and laundry, TV to watch.
I can offer somewhere to stay if you are attending an event in the area or are looking at a stepping off point to visit the local beaches and
Great Ocean Road.
Depending on my other commitments I also might be able to show you some of the places which are important to me and/or the area.
My home is about 30 minutes walk from the nearest railway station (that connects to Melbourne) and a 15 minute walk to the bay, 45 minutes to the CBD. Although there is a public bus stop nearby, evening and weekend bus times are not that frequent.

What I Can Share with Hosts

My local knowledge.
Life in Australia.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mauritius, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, United Kingdom