CURRENT MISSION

I would like to make this world a better place and inspire others to do the same.

ABOUT ME

I am originally from Germany. After travelling around Australia and New Zealand twice I decided to immigrate to NZ in '97. I didn't mean to stay for good but am still there. Got married to a Canadian a few years ago and we have got a 3-year-old son together. We live a very simple life in a seaside suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, and are very involved with our local community.
We lost our house during the February earthquake and are actually doing quite well piecing our life back together.
I have gotten back into nursing after running my own photography business for a few years. My main job is to look after young Lenny though.
I am very outgoing and like being silly. I am also a good listener.

PHILOSOPHY

Two things come to mind here:
Try to understand before you try to be understood
and
If you can't change the world change your attitude.
Three values I like to hold on to with everything I do: Love, Respect and Compassion.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Am only just getting into this. Will see how it all turns out. I am still getting my head around it all.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have not used CouchSurfing before but have traveled quite a bit and have used other host organisations (Servas). I have also been a host in the past. Both have been amazing experiences. I am still friends with hosts I stayed with 16 years ago.

Interests

I love the outdoors and like to explore. I like swimming, cycling, hiking and yoga. I have got an interest in environmental issues and social justice. I enjoy art, good movies and good books. I am interested in healthy living, am a vegetarian and enjoy good food. I like singing, dancing and performing. My main interests really are people and relationships.

• arts
• books
• singing
• photography
• dancing
• dining
• vegetarian
• yoga
• running
• movies
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• swimming
• business
• nursing

Music, Movies, and Books

I like movies that make me laugh and make me cry, that keep me at the edge of my seat.
As for music I adore Natalie Merchant, like some of Leonard Cohen's music and generally go for folky kind of stuff.
As for books I have got a favourite German author and think that T.C. Boyle is an absolute legend.
"The time traveller's wife" also touched me.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I once held the hand of a woman while she was dying.
The other amazing experience was holding my child in my arms for the first time and look in his eyes. Incredible.

Teach, Learn, Share

As a photographer I enjoy teaching people how to improve their photography.
I have studied Neurolinguistic Programming and enjoy sharing my knowledge and skills with anyone interested.
I would love to learn more about compassionate communication and positive parenting.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Netherlands, Samoa, Switzerland, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, New Zealand, United States

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