27 years old
New Zealander
Married but travelling solo.

I travelled outside New Zealand for the first time in August 2016 and I haven't stopped yet! I enjoy travelling alone because it encourages me to meet local people and be more independent than when I travel with a partner, also I just find it easier!

I spent six months in China, one month in Vietnam, one month in India, a week in South Korea, and so far I have been in Japan for almost 1 year. I plan to in South Korea for 20 days and experience more places than only Seoul!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is amazing because it gives you a chance to feel at home while travelling.

My best travel memories are not famous landmarks I visited, they are the people I've met (many through Couchsurfing) and the things we did together.

It's really nice to meet whole families and feel like a part of them for a short time, as a kindergarten teacher I love playing with children! I'm missing my class of Japanese 3 and 4-year-old kids already

I want to continue meeting amazing people and having amazing experiences together!

Interests

Although I always loved cooking in New Zealand, people there are not so adventurous about trying new foods so we don't have much variety in our national cuisine, but when I started travelling I was so amazed by the different local cuisines all over China and now when I go to a new place the first thing I want to do is try the local food!

I am addicted to reading. When I start a book I can't stop until I'm finished!

I love watching basketball (I'm not very good at playing but I like that too!) my favourite NBA team is the Oklahoma City Thunder because they have NZ player Steven Adams.

I'm lazy when I study languages by myself so travelling is the time when I can learn the most! Speaking with native speakers is a huge challenge but I'm getting a little better at Japanese after one year. For me, hitchhiking and drinking beer in local bars is the best language classroom and my next plan is to hitchhike from Busan to Seoul.

• cooking
• reading
• hiking
• camping
• basketball
• hitchhiking
• learning languages
• learning new things
• craft beer

Music, Movies, and Books

My favourite musician is Tom Waits. I will be very surprised if you know him and enjoy his music!

The first novel I ever read was The Hobbit, by JR Tolkien and it is still one of my favourites, I also love The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams.

I really like the Japanese film 茶の味 (The Taste of Tea), it's pace is slow so maybe you would think it's boring, it's not everyone's cup of tea (haha - I can teach you more English idioms if you want), but I find it relaxing and love the cinematic style and sense of humour.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Donated everything I owned that wouldn't fit in a backpack, married my partner of 9 years, then left home to pursue my dream of travelling around Asia.

Teach, Learn, Share

My passions are: LANGUAGES and COOKING dishes from around the world. So if you can teach me or if you want to learn I'd love to share these things with you!

***A warning for people who like to try CSers local foods: there is a good reason New Zealand food is not famous! Unfortunately, traditional NZ food is so so sooooo boring***

But! If you want to try it then I'll do my best to make you an improved version of NZ food for you! And if you have an oven and enjoy sweet foods I'm a good baker and I'd love to bake something for you!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share conversations, stories and experiences; ingredients and help for cooking; and if you need a hand around the house I'll wash your dishes, sweep the floor, clean your car or whatever needs doing as thanks for your hospitality! Of course, I can teach English too!

Countries I’ve Visited

China, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Japan, New Zealand