I was born on a Portuguese island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean (São Miguel, Açores) and immigrated to the US when I was a child. I had most of my childhood in Somerville (Boston area) and moved to New York City at 18 yrs. old.

After 7 years living in the Big Apple, I decided to leave all the comforts and material stuff I had acquired and left for Europe with a one way ticket and backpack. I eventually settled down in Lisbon for 5 years before moving further up to Copenhagen, where I started my own family with 2 beautiful children.

After living 20 years in Denmark, we got the opportunity to move to New Zealand. My family and I have lived in Auckland since 2013.

I have appreciated and loved every place I've lived, not necessarily because of the country or city, but the friends I made along the way. I do not feel I am from or belong to anywhere in particular. So my usual reply to the question, "Where do you come from?" I come from Earth... I think. Now and then I do look out for a spaceship to come pick me up.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love the concept and joined back in 2011 to check out the site. We often had people crashing at our place, but not through CS.

Then when we moved to NZ, my daughter joined, and she hosted 4 CS in 2014. It was a great experience sharing our home with people from different parts of the world and hearing about their journeys.

Life for me is all about the relationships we make. CF community is contributing to the restoration of important values our modern society has lost, that are crucial for humanity to survive. Trust, Giving, Sharing, Community.

Interests

Besides all forms of art, I love comedy and need a good laugh at least once a day.

To de-stress and keep my body & mind healthy, I practice yoga and go on long walks/tramping and attempt to body-board surf whenever I can.

I'm very interested in the why's and how's of the world, and thrive on long discussions about human behaviour, our socio-economic system and potential solutions to its ills.

• permaculture
• sciences
• sharing economy
• new technologies
• alternative lifestyles
• the arts
• the zeitgeist movement
• off-grid eco communities

Music, Movies, and Books

I do not have favourites as such and like a broad spectrum within all art forms. I have periods where I'll delve into a particular genre or artist, depending on my mood or activity I am undertaking.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Quit my job, gave up my flat and gave away all my stuff, except for what I could fit in my backpack - some clothes, a couple of books, music tapes (yes, that long ago) and art supplies. Then I bought a one-way ticket to London to start my travels and new life.

Teach, Learn, Share

Life ...

What I Can Share with Hosts

My journey, philosophies and humour (though can't guarantee I'm always funny). I am a good listener and respect everyone's space and boundaries. I can also share my knack for cleaning and cooking too.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Canada, Denmark, Faroe Islands, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Denmark, New Zealand, Portugal, United States