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 half the US, including Hawaii. I'm currently studying abroad in Italy. I love meeting new people and learning about other cultures. My philosophy in life is that everyone who comes into your life is there for a reason! Good or bad. I've still got some growing to do myself when it comes to solo traveling!

I like to think my personality is warm and friendly once I come out of my shell. Although my friends would describe me as an extrovert, I find that I'm actually an introvert until I get to know someone well. 😅

I enjoy the quiet as much as I enjoy adventure. Give me a good book or a map and guide, and 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. 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.

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
• hiking
• swimming
• adventure
• reading books
• playing piano
• quilting
• vinyl records
• arts and crafts
• musical theater
• writing letters
• historical fashion

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.

I went ziplining for the first time while visiting Switzerland! It was a calm, beginner's zipline, but it was a zipline nonetheless!

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 love talking about books, but I can also enjoy conversations about philosophy, ethics, religion, or other deep topics! 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, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, United States