Helloo!

I'm Kayla - a 27 year old sun-chaser and restless explorer trying to experience all that is strange and beautiful across the world. I love quality conversations, spontaneous adventures, immersing myself in nature, and people-watching in new places...so much people-watching. I'm passionate about a million things, including hiking, running, literature, dancing, the ocean, activism, artsy things etc etc etc

I work in the NGO and policy worlds with a background in global health, international relations, and conflict, currently working as a humanitarian policy advisor!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm really keen to make new friends, experience cities authentically, and hopefully practice a bit of French along the way so that the Duolingo owl stops haunting my dreams.

Would be extra cool to find a host who's keen to run with me, do a spontaneous adventure trip (hike/camp/dive/anything!), explore cute artsy places or events, rant about activism/development etc.

Interests

• writing
• literature
• dancing
• partying
• politics
• reading
• hiking
• camping
• sailing
• trail running
• nature
• activism
• diving
• climbing
• sustainable development
• global health

Music, Movies, and Books

I could never choose what my favourite book was until this one blew my mind - The Secret History by Donna Tartt. Nothing will ever compare and it breaks my heart. Other books that make the shortlist are The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, Perfume by Patrick Suskind and A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

1. Danced in the middle of a hailstorm high up in the Himalayas!
2. Set off on a sailboat for 10 days with strangers

Teach, Learn, Share

I loveeee dancing - from salsa to bachata to Irish to my local Sokkie - so I'd love to learn new styles and share what I know. I’d also love to practice Spanish and French, and can help with English.

What I Can Share with Hosts

If in South Africa - my specialities are finding the best bookshops, thrift stores, dancing bars, beer/wine festivals and can put you in touch with NGOs and places to volunteer. I love the outdoors and if I have time, we can go for a hike, climb, run or roadtrip! If you're interested in the deeper South African social and political issues and history, I can engage with you and take you to some museums.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Belgium, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, England, France, Greece, Guatemala, Italy, Kenya, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Northern Ireland, Peru, Poland, Scotland, Spain, Swaziland, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, South Africa