I am currently a Masters student in Information Studies (Information Science), and when finished, will be one of the small number of Australian Information Architects. Among one of the things that Information Architects do, is to make it easier for site users to find the information they want or need, when they want it. It is a good feeling to go from very difficult to use/find, to being able to find desired information 'in the blink of an eye'.

I have lived in China for over ten years, have travelled throughout the country, and speak the language very well.

I had been a freelance journalist for both locally owned and locally based foreign owned English magazines, as well as those based overseas. I began in the area of entertainment, and progressed to trade or b2b publications. It is pretty hard, detailed but rewarding work, and you have to like research.

I have a very great fondness for cats (& dogs), and it has been this relationship which I have shared with some of my good friends when I lived earlier in Shanghai. My own cat is now owned by a European family, and the father of the house and I have become good friends since. I have actually stayed at the family house & minded their cats while they returned home for holiday. I have visited him at his house a few times, and he has visited me at mine.

I am also good friends with a friend from the US (he has now returned to the US), who had a dog. The friend and I had worked together on his short film, and we had become good friends since completion of the film. We have known each other for years, and are still in contact.

I am working on a non fiction book, and am also attempting to write and put together my first collection of poetry (I am a previously published poet).

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I would like to meet up with others who are considering travelling to China. Or those keen to take up travelling overseas more generally. Couchsurfing generally provides a wonderful opportunity for an enjoyable, friendly meeting of minds and exchange, with people that one might not otherwise meet in one's travels.

Interests

• reading
• music
• watching films
• creative writing

Music, Movies, and Books

Hard to say what my favorite music is--much depends on my mood of the time. My range does cover a broad spectrum, touching on world music; japanese musicians playing either Western classical music , or contemporary music, on traditional Japanese instruments; or Western artists from the 70s though to the 90s. I like watching films, and enjoy much of it from all over the world, and have a fondness for those pre-80s. My favourite book has to be the Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov-simply one of the truest delights for readers ever written.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have done paragliding in Thailand, and I found that experience quite "trippy". Not quite in the same league as sky diving, but it gave me a blast and got the adrenaline pumping! I can only imagine what sky diving would be like.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach cooking Chinese stir fry dishes for those interested.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am able to give insights to China in terms of sights, as well as insights into the cultural and social dynamics of the people.

The insights gained from being a resident 'halfpat' can be richer and more informative than from someone who has been travelling through, who neither speaks nor reads the language.

I have learned to live quite independently, so am domesticated and "house-trained". I have learned to cook, and I am able to cook tasty, well-tested Chinese recipes, and have explored food and cooking from other regions as well. (Though I have only ever used a gas stove...)

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Philippines

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, China, Philippines