I'm easy going, love to travel and meet new people. Still working out what I want to do in this world but trusting that it will all come together in the end!

I live by myself right now but I've lived with 12 people in a community house, where we ate together and had a really open home policy. We'd also have people come stay if they needed a place for a while. It was a great time and I loved the constant changes and surprises. It also means I'm used to living with other people, familiar and new, and to working out how to do life together.

I've been unable to travel much for the past few years due to some health problems that are now in the past, and so I can't wait to get back to it! Starting with a Bristol to Istanbul bus-train-boat-train journey in summer 2015 with a seasoned couchsurfer travelling companion...This trip is what finally kickstarted me joining CS, having been meaning to for ages.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My friends have told me how much fun they've had connecting with people all over the world and I love the sound of being part of this widespread community. It seems a much nicer way of experiencing new places and adds to the sense of adventure.

I've already travelled a fair bit staying in the homes of friends and friends-of-friends, so feel comfortable with the protocols of being in and respecting someone else's space.

I enjoy meeting new people and I often host my own friends when they are passing through, so I am really up for hosting soon-to-be friends too.

That said, where I currently live is pretty cosy and life is quite hectic at certain times of the academic year, so I'm only a maybe right now when it comes to hosting guests in my home. Really look forward to a time when I could have all sorts wondering through!

Interests

Playing music (mostly piano, some guitar) and singing and writing songs, studying (recently returned and loving it)
Swing/lindyhop dancing (though I'm a bit rusty!)
Painting and sculpture (even more rusty - part of me that I'm keen to rediscover), Learning languages - I'm really keen to improve my French, which gets me by but is by no means fluent. I did a bit of Russian for a while and loved that - can't wait until I have time to pick it up again!
Food - making, eating, discovering new food, really good ingredients, finding tasty sugar-free recipes
Crochet (when I find time)
Travel (obviously!)

I've been involved in several local community projects and charities over recent years, though at the moment I'm mostly focussed on study, with hopes to go back into the non-profit arena when I'm done.

Faith and spirituality are important to me, though I struggle with mainstream religion. I'm always interested to hear about other people's journeys in this way, and share in that diversity.

• culture
• writing
• singing
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• recipes
• working out
• drinking
• boating
• shopping
• traveling
• crochet
• painting
• music
• guitar
• piano
• history
• languages
• religion

Music, Movies, and Books

Music-wise: I enjoy swing, country, bluegrass, blues, gospel, classic pop from my younger years (no apologies!). I also like some classical, world music and 'wobbly' house but know nothing about those genres and it all depends on my mood as to what is a good fit. Definitely open to new musical encounters.

Books: I can struggle to finish books but I've been getting into audiobooks lately and that's been great. I'm currently revisiting 'His Dark Materials' by Philip Pullman. I wish I found more time and focus to read... suggestions welcome!

TV: big fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

Films: I'm well up for watching new films with other couchsurfers (nothing horror). Recently I've mostly watched documentaries about 'the state of the world', so maybe something fun for a change :-)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I set up a charity shop a few years back, raising money for a community fund that goes back into the local area. It's still there though I'm not there anymore!

Teach, Learn, Share

Can teach piano, share in making music generally (singing, a spot of percussion, maybe guitar), guitar is v rusty but happy to join in!

Learning languages - any, though I'd love to work on French in particular as that's the one I'm furthest in

Always up for learning about the history and culture of the places I'm in

Just conversation about life, where we've been, where we're going, what we've learned. I think it's really important that encounters are positive and edifying, for all involved.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'd definitely want to bring something to drink and/or eat together. Also happy to cook for/together, if there's time and opportunity.

I'm easy going, and totally understand about house rules/boundaries. It's your home, I'm the guest, so please tell me how to respect it the best way I can.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Russian Federation, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Turkey, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Switzerland