I am currently studying for my MSc in Plant & Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation at The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew.

I am a nomad by nature, I don't think I have managed to stay put in one place for more than a year... usually 6 months! Up to now this has alas been mostly in the UK. It is a big wide world out there and I want to see as much of it as possible. I am hoping that I can use my education to do this for now, then eventually... I am not sure, possibly a traveling researcher studying weird and wonderful plants and fungi around the globe!

I am married, we have been together 10 years now (wow 10 years!) and thankfully I gave him the travel bug early on!

I love the whole ethos of couch surfing, being able to really get to know a place via the people that live there and love it. Getting to know new people and being introduced to new things... what could be better!

I am a bit of a collector of hobbies... I am currently just getting into running, I started ParkRun in November after much badgering from my friend. I also am a beginner Poi dancer (basically tennis balls in long socks that you swing around in cool patterns, it looks particularly impressive when you use fire Poi... but I figured I should start off without the fire and work up to it!), I also enjoy yoga, just started climbing (only indoor so far), surfing (I can just about stand up 25% of the time), I read A LOT - mostly epic fiction - Steven Erikson, Ian Esslemont, Terry Goodkind, Raymond E Feist, Robert Jordon, George R R Martin, Neil Gaiman, Clive Barker... I could go on! I am a pretty darn good cook (I used to be a chef in a previous life), I am vegan and love to show off what you can do with plants and fungi, especially baked stuff I make a mean batch of chocolate chip cookies and a particularly good chocolate cake (so I am told). I had my own vegan catering business for a while and a cafe so lots of recipes to share with willing ears! I am a big animal fan, all animals. I have a dog - Georgie, and two cats - Freya and Idris (named after the Welsh Mountain not the actor/singer!).

So... I think that's me in a nutshell!

Por que estou no Couchsurfing?

I am currently studying for my MSc in Plant & Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation at The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. Half of that is an original research project. I have made contacts in Denmark and Sweden and will be coming over to conduct some of my research and lab work. I have been learning some Danish and Swedish and would love to be able to stay with some natives and practice. Also as I am coming by my self I would much rather CouchSurf and meet some new people, socialize and see some sites than be stuck in a B&B or hotel all alone for 2 weeks!

Interesses

Everything that gets you muddy or makes your heart race!! Running, poi, yoga, climbing, cooking, aerial silks, surfing (I can just about stand up 25% of the time) botany, zoology, lots of reading, mycology... anything in the sea, anything up a mountain... happy to expand my repertoire with any new suggestions :)

• wildlife
• humanities
• education
• cooking
• vegan
• instructor
• walking
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• camping
• surfing
• sailing
• rock climbing
• ecology
• teaching
• history
• pole dance
• handstands

Músicas, Filmes e Livros

Mostly epic fiction - Steven Erikson, Ian Esslemont, Terry Goodkind, Raymond E Feist, Robert Jordon, George R R Martin, Neil Gaiman, Clive Barker... I could go on

Films... anything scary

Music - entirely depends on my mood and the situations, I can go from classical through to hard rock, rockabilly to indie, garage to pop in a single playlist!

Uma Coisa Incrível que Eu Fiz

My first sight of the Rockies!! The view from the summit of Snowdon. The sun setting over Lake Superior. The sun rising on Machu Picchu :)

Ensine, Aprenda, Compartilhe

I am learning Danish and hopefully some Swedish so I would love to have to opportunity to converse. I am happy to help with English. I am an ex chef and pretty good cook (even if I do say so myself) so happy to pass on some recipes and techniques. I have been vegan for 5 years and may have some pearls of wisdom to pass on to anyone wanting ideas/recipes/advice. I am a qualified high school science teacher and used to managing large groups of kids so happy to help out with children... urm, what else... guess you will have to ask me :)

O Que Posso Compartilhar com Anfitriões

(see above)

Países que Visitei

Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Peru, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States

Países em que Morei

Ireland, United Kingdom