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Encinitas, California, United States
@lauraemmerson
Member since 2013
Hello! I am new to Couchsurfing, but I am interested in learning more about the community. I love to travel and have fun doing it! I believe in trying everything at least once, even if that means getting out of my comfort zone. Over the past few years I graduated from university, went on a few solo road trips in the Western US, did an AmeriCorps service year, and met many incredible individuals. Most recently I moved back to Seattle, WA after 6 months of travel, work, and WWOOFing in New Zealand. I also did a month-long backpacking course through NOLS NZ (National Outdoor Leadership School), which was incredible! I hope to do more backpacking, whether that be in urban centers or in the great wilderness.
Interested in Adventure Sports
Interested in Animals
Fluent in English
Learning Spanish
Why I'm on Couchsurfing
I am on Couchsurfing to meet friends, learn about different cultures, and share my own. I've stayed in hotels and hostels, but there is something special about staying with locals. Hosts always have a genuine knowledge of their city and have more to share, whether that be recipes, music, tips about traveling, etc. I've done a lot of couch surfing outside of the website and it has been a positive experience, so I expect it to be similar on Couchsurfing.com!
Music, Movies, and Books
As far as music goes, I love pretty much anything-jazz, rock, indie, folk, hip-hop, musicals, world, etc. I have an absurd knowledge of lyrics, so if you're ever stuck on a song, I may be able to help you out, ha. Some movies/ tv that have been influences are Monty Python, Flight of the Conchords, A Goofy Movie (animation in general), anything with Julie Andrews, Zoolander, 500 Days of Summer, 10 Things I Hate About You, Across the Universe, Lord of the Rings, Once, Wes Anderson films, Quinton Tarantino films, Hiyo Miuzaki films, and lots more. I love to read and am fairly active on Goodreads.com. I'm into many genres, but lately I've been into historical fiction, journalistic styles, and fantasy/scifi.
One Amazing Thing I've Done
I am grateful for so many different opportunities I've had, but leaving the US to trek through the New Zealand wilderness for a month is a highlight. I learned so much about myself and now have more confidence to adventure more.
What I Can Share With Hosts
Sharing is caring, as they say. I can share my enthusiasm for life, music, traveling, and many stories. I would be glad to cook you a vegetarian dish and teach you how to make friendship bracelets (if you're keen to learn!). I would like to expand my gardening skills, so I would be glad to help out in the garden if you have one. Couchsurfing looks like a great community and I can't wait to be a part of it!
My Interests
My interests are never-ending, but some of them include reading a good book, writing, cooking, drinking coffee and tea, practicing yoga, swimming, running, gardening (a recent endeavor), learning about wildlife or anything environment-related, anthropology, traveling, being outdoors (hiking, camping, backpacking), meeting new people and keeping up with old friends and family, and writing postcards. Music is a big part of my life. I love to sing, dance, and I'll play any string instrument I can get my hands on! I also enjoy simply hanging out, having a good conversation, sharing a laugh (maybe even over a beer or two).
