I was born and bred in Alabama but have been living in Abu Dhabi for nearly two decades with my husband. We raised our children in this city and now they've gone on to be students in Honolulu, Hawaii. I taught elementary school and then kindergarten for many years, but in recent less committed times have lessened my workload to tutor Arab students in English.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have not yet decided if I want to open our apartment to couchsurfers, but my son recently joined the network and encouraged me to check out the community.

Interests

I love all things artistic. I go through phases. Currently into beadwork, but have gone through acrylic painting, watercolor, and a variety of other mediums.

• culture
• traveling
• painting
• backpacking
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

Chocolat, Eulogy, Sixth Sense, Godfather movies, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Foxcatcher

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

As an expat, I've gotten to see a lot of the world. I have been so privileged to learn about a variety of cultures, customs and spiritual practices around the world. Travel is a horizon-broadener, for sure! The most amazing thing I have witnessed was the Kilauea (Kalapana) lava flows into the sea in 2011. They were massive at that time and the majesty of nature was really impressed upon my perspective at that sight.

Teach, Learn, Share

It's my goal to encourage everyone who doesn't have a passport to get one, don a backpack, and head out into the beyond to see what life is all about somewhere besides where you live it. I love to learn from other cultures. I have assimilated into this culture and feel a kinship with the people. It makes all the difference in how you view the world when you look at it through someone else's eyes.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm not sure what I can share, except for life experience and a bank of cultural knowledge that has been gleaned over the years. I think I'm more apt to be able to learn about couchsurfing from those who have experienced it firsthand.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Oman, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States, United States Minor Outlying Islands

Countries I’ve Lived In

United Arab Emirates, United States