Hi! I'm Emmalee! I'm a 20 year old student who loves to travel. I grew up traveling the United States with my parents. I've been to a little over 26 states, including Hawaii. I've also visited three countries: Mexico, Canada, and France. I'm currently studying abroad in Italy. I love meeting new people and learning about other cultures. My philosphy in life is that strangers are just friends you haven't met yet! Also, everyone who comes into your life is there for a reason. Whether it is briefly or a lifetime, I believe change can be effected if one has an open mind and an open heart! I like to think my personality is warm and friendly. I enjoy the quiet as much as I enjoy adventure. Give me a good book or a map and guide, I will be happy either way!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I recently discovered Couchsurfing while trying to find places to stay in Switzerland for a weekend. This community looks welcoming, and the concept seems so cool! Even though I am studying abroad, I didn't get a chance to stay with a host family. I love the idea of having a chance to get away from the touristy image of each country and really get to know the heart of the people. Like I said, I love learning about different cultures, and it is so hard to truly know a culture when all you're experiencing is the tailored images for tourist attractions.

As a new member, I do not have any references, but I assure you I am a respectful guest! I firmly believe in leaving a place looking better than how I found it, so I will clean up after myself and follow any house rules.

Interests

• board games
• traveling
• painting
• piano
• swimming
• meeting new people
• card games
• choir
• listening to music
• embroidery
• nature walks
• nature lover
• musical theatre
• reading novels
• arts & crafts
• renaissance festivals
• watercolor painting
• historical fashion
• pastel painting

Music, Movies, and Books

It is so difficult to choose a favorite music genre. It all depends on what mood I'm in on a given day. With the sun shining, I tend to listen country music, instrumentals in a major key, jazz, or upbeat pop. On cloudy or rainy days, I may listen to Celtic music, musical theatre, or instrumentals in a minor key. I guess my go to is usually musical theatre and country, so I suppose those would be my top two genres.

My favorite movies are The Secret Garden, The Princess Diaries, and The Sound of Music. Even that changes though since there are so many good movies out there! My favorite books are Harry Potter, The Secret Garden, and Chronicles of Narnia. I love a good mystery or historical fiction, too!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Go on a study abroad! I've always wanted to go on a study abroad, and now that I'm on one it is so incredible! I've already completed two solo trips, which is so cool and scary at the same time. I can't believe I did it! Normally, I'm with someone but this has been my first chance to go to places by myself and get out of my comfort zone. That's the scary part--stepping outside of my comfort zone and actually going to cities by myself.

Teach, Learn, Share

If you have a piano, I would be more than happy to play duets or teach you one of the songs I know! Admittedly, that is not very many since I'm not the best at having a memorized repetoire, but I do have a few bars of Maple Leaf Rag memorized. I'm always happy to learn a new piece, too!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Good conversation, good book recommendations, or a card game partner. I'm an extrovert, so I love talking with people, especially over books. I also enjoy playing board games and card games. Additionally, I am more than willing to lend a helping hand during the duration fo my stay! Whether it is cooking a meal, washing dishes, babysitting kids (I have experience in babysitting), or anything else, I would love to help!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, France, Italy, Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States