Nice to meet you all! My name is Jaimie Mulligan and I am an explorer of everything around me. First and foremost, I wholeheartedly love people and making new friends. I worked in the nonprofit sector for 3 years, mostly at a Food Assistance Center. I studied Cultural Anthropology and Geographic Science while in college – basically degrees in people and places. My greatest joy comes from serving others, listening to people’s stories, and spending time communing with nature.

A little bit of background on me is that I grew up in a mixed family. My stepfather and stepmother are Korean and Thai (respectively) and biological parents are Caucasian. In terms of passions, I am a diehard podcast addict; specifically, The Moth Radio Hour, My Favorite Murder, and anything produced by NPR (National Public Radio). I have a little brown pet rabbit named Kinsey and a special-needs rescue dog named Kimchi, which is the Korean word for pickled cabbage.

Outside of true crime and listening to stories and news, I relish a cooking challenge. The one souvenir I get for myself while travelling is a locally published cookbook. I have books from Greece, Dominica, Iceland, Tanzania (specifically Zanzibar) and most recently Japan. I enjoy pulling recipes from these books and trying to make local specialties from scratch in my own kitchen – especially vegan or vegetarian fare. Outside of the home, I make time to go hiking, swimming, and biking. I’m currently trying to learn more about multi-day backpacking trips with my fiancé and want to plan one next year. I also appreciate live music of any genre, bathhouses, hot teas, and impromptu trips to the beach. Future personal endeavors include learning a new language and getting into kayaking.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I truly enjoy meeting new people and am looking to meet more people in the traveling community. One of the best experiences I've had traveling is staying in hostels and Airbnbs because you get to meet so many interesting people and learn about new cultures and customs. Right now I am unable to host due to my living situation, but I don't want to delay meeting potential new friends.

Interests

• dogs
• wildlife
• rabbits
• cooking
• movies
• music
• hiking
• kayaking
• camping
• swimming
• volunteering
• travel
• food
• nature
• tea
• ocean
• water
• baths
• cooking and eating
• spring

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite music genres are folk, rock, hip hop, Motown, and alternative. I can appreciate just about anything, especially if it is live.

For movies, I really enjoy thrillers, comedies, dramas, and horror films. I like movies that make you think. I am also a lover of tv shows - Criminal Minds, Bobs Burgers, Sailor Moon, ect. Recently I finished watching Russian Doll on Netflix and loved it, and I just started watching Tuca and Bertie. I'm always down to watch a movie or start a new show.

I listen mostly to audio books - my favorite series is the A-Z mysteries written by Sue Grafton. My pet rabbit is named after the main character, Kinsey Millhone.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've taught myself how to cook at a decent level. I started out burning water in 2012 and since then I've worked as a dishwasher, then a prep cook in a kitchen, then operating a mobile kitchen classroom. I love learning new recipes and sharing food customs. I will try almost anything and have been recently getting into more vegetarian and vegan fare.

Teach, Learn, Share

I would be happy to share recipes, practice English skills, try out a new bar or restaurant, go on a hike, visit a local park, or just enjoy the company of the host.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Cooking skills - let me make you dinner (if you are comfortable with that).

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Dominica, Greece, Iceland, Japan, Tanzania

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States